TAS, although in Taipei, has a culture of it's own so different from local schools, so it's distinctly separate. For instance, if you went to Lynbrook and you didn't have a date to Lynbrook's dance, you might ask someone from Homestead or go to Monta Vista's. Which many people do. Another thing different that I found extremely appealing was the food. Every one of the formals that I have gone to had food that basically consisted of punch and gooey desserts.
Light is definitely better.
Other than that, the rest of the Frolic experience was very much the same. It was held at a beautiful resort, although that is more often for Proms rather than Winter Ball in San Jose, but still. The music was current, and it felt like just a wonderful dance. Complete with strobe lights, neon burst necklaces and bubble machines. It felt just like America.