Author: Mark A. Ashwill

Using Competitors’ Names in Google AdWords

Mark A. Ashwill Commentary ,

How many ways are there to skin a cat, when it comes to cheating students, parents, clients and partners?  Here's one example that I mentioned in a 12/14 article about (un)ethical agency-based recruitment in Vietnam: Using a well-known competitor’s name in Google AdWords, an example of a dirty trick that is not illegal, but is … Continue reading Using Competitors’ Names in Google AdWords

International vs. Country-Specific Fairs

Mark A. Ashwill Commentary , ,

Recruiters have lots of choices when it comes to different types of fairs. All make the same promises. Hundreds or even thousands of students at each event, all interested in overseas study and all with the ability to pay. How to choose? Here’s one easy way. If you represent an institution from a top five … Continue reading International vs. Country-Specific Fairs

US nationalism – The elephant in the room

Mark A. Ashwill Articles, Commentary , , ,

Nationalism stands in the way of creating global citizens, but it is the subject few involved in international education in the United States want to speak about. Follow this link to read my latest article published by University World News, entitled US nationalism – The elephant in the room.  In a nutshell, it's about nationalism, … Continue reading US nationalism – The elephant in the room

Tips for Entrepreneurs

Mark A. Ashwill Articles , ,

Memo to entrepreneurs:  read this, take it to heart, live it.  Good advice from Thuan Pham, Chief Technology Officer of Uber, excerpted from a recent Tech in Asia article about him. It's about the work, innovation, quality, impact, taking risks, learning from failure and leaving a legacy.  If all of the pieces of the puzzle … Continue reading Tips for Entrepreneurs

Dog & Pony Show Revisited: At an Education UK Exhibition?

Mark A. Ashwill Commentary , , , ,

Say it ain't so, Joe!  I happened to be in the neighborhood and decided to stop by the British Council Vietnam's Education UK Exhibition in HCMC, which was held on 13 March at the Rex Hotel.  Much to my surprise and disappointment, I noticed large groups of students, school uniforms and all (on a Sunday?), … Continue reading Dog & Pony Show Revisited: At an Education UK Exhibition?

Of Smoke, Mirrors, & Educational Consultants

Mark A. Ashwill Commentary , , , ,

I continue to document and add to my rather lengthy inventory the many ways in which educational consulting companies cheat their clients and partners.  This began with an article I wrote in 12/14 for University World News entitled Walking the walk – Ethical agency-based recruitment. Here's one that involves an upcoming US higher education mini-fair.  … Continue reading Of Smoke, Mirrors, & Educational Consultants

Good Morning Future Wealth, Vietnam

Mark A. Ashwill Articles , ,

For reformers, the country’s economic and political rise could be just about to start. Good piece by Anthony Fensom about a joint report, New Report Lays Out Path for Vietnam to Reach Upper-Middle-Income Status in 20 Years, released on 23 February 2016 by the Vietnamese government and the World Bank, that suggests Vietnam could achieve upper-middle … Continue reading Good Morning Future Wealth, Vietnam

Vietnam Consumer Confidence at Highest Level Since 2008

Mark A. Ashwill Uncategorized

According to a TNS Consumer Pulse study conducted before Tet, consumer confidence in Vietnam it at its highest level since 2008, which bodes well for 2016. The study surveyed consumers in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) and Hanoi, the two largest cities in Vietnam, to discover their feelings about Vietnam's economy.  (Follow this link to … Continue reading Vietnam Consumer Confidence at Highest Level Since 2008