Author: Mark A. Ashwill

Frank Quan-Pham (’24) Achieves Perfect 36 ACT

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During a recent visit to the Capstone office in Hanoi. This is the headline of an April 26, 2023 Wisconsin Lutheran High School (Milwaukee, WI) press release. (Here's a report from the local CBS affiliate: International student at Wisconsin Lutheran High School earns perfect score on ACT.) Quản Phạm Gia An (Frank) is a stellar … Continue reading Frank Quan-Pham (’24) Achieves Perfect 36 ACT

Charitable Causes in Vietnam: Part I

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A Partial List for Foreigners Foreign friends and colleagues with an interest in Vietnam sometimes ask me which non-profit organizations are worth supporting. Since they are usually interested in a tax deduction, that narrows the list. The organizations listed below are registered charities in different countries. Blue Dragon Children's Foundation Blue Dragon Children's Foundation is … Continue reading Charitable Causes in Vietnam: Part I

QUIZ: Test Your Knowledge of Vietnam

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This is a quiz Team Capstone and I created for colleagues from around the world who recruit Vietnamese students and do other international education-related work in Vietnam. While it's intended to be fun and educational, there's also a serious side to it. As everyone knows, it's important to know something about the countries in which … Continue reading QUIZ: Test Your Knowledge of Vietnam

Poster Session at NAFSA 2023: “Vietnamese Student Recruitment in the New Normal Era”

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The calm before the storm. 😀 The NAFSA: Association of International Educators annual conference is one of the premier venues to conduct international education-related business. There are general sessions, poster sessions, an expo hall, receptions, and other social events, and days filled with meetings. This poster session was held at the annual conference in Washington, … Continue reading Poster Session at NAFSA 2023: “Vietnamese Student Recruitment in the New Normal Era”

CAPSTONE WEBINAR: Digital Marketing in Vietnam: How to Connect with Parents & Students

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Capstone's team will provide a comprehensive update about the digital behavior of Vietnamese and how to reach out to students and parents using a variety of media outlets and social media channels, including popular apps. All registered participants will receive the Zoom link in the days leading up to the webinar. Note: US higher education colleagues … Continue reading CAPSTONE WEBINAR: Digital Marketing in Vietnam: How to Connect with Parents & Students

The (Mis)Adventures of Flying on VietJet 😂 😡 🇻🇳

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Waiting with bated breath for sweet liberation after our arrival in Hanoi. Photo by MAA Want to know the worst thing about flying on VietJet, whose slogan is "Enjoy flying" (Bay là thích ngay!)? No, it wasn't the spoiled little princess in back of me kicking my seat, putting her tray table up and down … Continue reading The (Mis)Adventures of Flying on VietJet 😂 😡 🇻🇳

A Tale of Two Visas Types: B1-2 & F-1

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A colleague recently asked me about the difference between issuance rates for two types of non-immigrant visas: tourist (B-2) and student (F-1). The question was in reference to a summer program for students at her university. (Note: A B-1 visas is for business.) The FY2022 stats from the US State Department confirm my answer, which … Continue reading A Tale of Two Visas Types: B1-2 & F-1

Telling Our Stories: A Tale from Vietnam

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What's Past is Prologue (W. Shakespeare, The Tempest, 1610-11) We all have stories to tell, knowledge and experiences to share, and advice to offer. The longer we live, the greater the supply, generally speaking. For as long as I can remember, I have been passionate about history as a means of making sense of what … Continue reading Telling Our Stories: A Tale from Vietnam