No, not that industry, which is literally dirty and a major contributor to global climate change. I'm referring to international student recruitment, which is often a figuratively dirty industry. A US higher education colleague who has been around the block a few times recently asked me this question: "At the risk of sounding like a … Continue reading Reflections on a Dirty Industry
Author: Mark A. Ashwill
“Is Gun Violence Scaring Off International Students?”
Image: iStock The author of this 10 April 2023 Inside Higher Ed article requested an interview with me because he had read some blog posts and a 2022 University World News article I wrote about gun violence and international student recruitment. The result is one reason why I ask to see a draft, as I … Continue reading “Is Gun Violence Scaring Off International Students?”
Working for the Man: Part II
Think of this post as a follow-up to the original, which appeared in August 2020. In that post I described some of the part-time jobs that I held as undergraduate as a way of supplementing my income. Mainly, they were rich - figuratively speaking - learning experiences. (For many, they are way to make a … Continue reading Working for the Man: Part II
“Do not regret growing older. It is a privilege denied to many.”
This quote, attributed to Mark Twain or "unknown," is one of my favorites. I think of it often, including whenever people complain about growing older in youth-obsessed cultures and even those that have traditionally revered and respected the elderly. To find examples of people denied that privilege because of illness or accident, look no further … Continue reading “Do not regret growing older. It is a privilege denied to many.”
Top 10 Overseas Study Destinations for Young Vietnamese
These countries host 90% of all Vietnamese studying abroad, over two-thirds (67%) of whom are in Asian countries. The USA is still the leading English-speaking destination. Vietnam ranks 6th among places of origin. Source: Chào Hanoi S. Korea: 70,212 (2023) Japan: 37,405 (2022) USA: 25,198 (2-23) Australia: 21,316 (1-23) Taiwan: 20,000 (2022) Canada: 16,140 (as … Continue reading Top 10 Overseas Study Destinations for Young Vietnamese
Overseas Study as a Stepping Stone to Emigration
Verywell/Alex Dos DIaz At a recent Capstone StudyGlobal Education Fair, I spoke with two girls who asked for recommendations about where to study. Both were high school students, one in the 10th grade and the other in the 11th. Their initial focus was on the US but, after further discussion, they said they were willing … Continue reading Overseas Study as a Stepping Stone to Emigration
“This is a crime against our planet.”
Indeed. Three words that immediately popped into my head after glancing at this disturbing photo were fetid, macabre, and surreal. It is both sad and infuriating, yet another depressing example of ecocide. The oversized teddy bear is Brown of LINE (chat app) fame. Maybe a child or someone's girlfriend got tired of him. What better … Continue reading “This is a crime against our planet.”
Highly Recommended: “I Have Arrived, I Am Home – Documentary About Thích Nhất Hạnh”
From Plum Village: Made specially for the first anniversary of the passing of Zen Master Thích Nhất Hạnh, "I Have Arrived, I Am Home" is a new documentary from filmmaker Max Pugh (A Cloud Never Dies, Walk With Me). The film includes footage and commentary on Thich Nhat Hanh's return to his native Vietnam, where … Continue reading Highly Recommended: “I Have Arrived, I Am Home – Documentary About Thích Nhất Hạnh”
The Human Trouble
James Baldwin at his home in France in 1979. (Ralph Gatti/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images) (via the NY Times) Another profound quote from one of my favorite US writers worth rereading on a regular basis. This thought is a celebration of life. It is reminiscent of the Buddha's Five Remembrances and this Thích Nhất Hạnh quote: When … Continue reading The Human Trouble
The 21 Circles of Privilege
I recently came across this comprehensive image of various sources of privilege on LinkedIn. It was created by Dr. Poornima Luthra, Teaching Associate Professor at the Copenhagen Business School, and author of Diversifying Diversity: Your guide to being an active ally of inclusion in the workplace and The Art of Active Allyship. To get an … Continue reading The 21 Circles of Privilege
An International Educator in Vietnam 
You must be logged in to post a comment.