An expat shares some philosophical reflections and practical tips on the free-for-all that is Vietnamese traffic. This is my latest English language article for VNExpress International. Follow this link to read it in its entirety. Below is the unabridged version: In any country, driving culture and etiquette, or a lack thereof, is a window into … Continue reading When in Viet Nam, Drive as the Vietnamese Do!
Author: Mark A. Ashwill
“The story of Viet Nam’s economic miracle”
Walking around in Ha Noi, Viet Nam’s capital, you can feel boundless energy everywhere. People whiz by on scooters, buy and sell everything from phones to food in the countless small shops, and run to and fro to get to school or work. Viet Nam is young, growing, and anything feels possible. It wasn’t always … Continue reading “The story of Viet Nam’s economic miracle”
“Humpty Dumpty” As World View, Overseas Vietnamese-Style
Here are the concluding paragraphs of my latest CounterPunch piece. If you're interested in reading the essay in its entirety, follow this link. If Humpty Dumpty – as world view and personal identity – were to have a great fall, I’m afraid it would be exceedingly difficult for all of the king’s horses and men … Continue reading “Humpty Dumpty” As World View, Overseas Vietnamese-Style
Decree 86 Is Good News for Vietnamese Parents & Investors
New Decree No. 86/2018/ND-CP implementing the Law on Education Here is the unabridged version of an interview about Decree 86 that I did with Anton Crace, Reporter - Australasia for The PIE News (Vietnam increases domestic participation in international schools). My answers are in navy blue. The decree took effect on 1 August 2018. I saw Decree 86 increasing … Continue reading Decree 86 Is Good News for Vietnamese Parents & Investors
Snowplow Parents: A Global Phenomenon?
Here's a story you don't see every day though there are probably countless more than are reported in professional Facebook groups. Mommy and Daddy know best. These parents are interchangeably referred to as lawnmower or snowplow parents,. Their (dis)service to their children is to remove every obstacle in the latter's path. Think of it as … Continue reading Snowplow Parents: A Global Phenomenon?
Happy 9th Birthday, Capstone Vietnam!
This week, Capstone Vietnam, a full-service educational consulting company that I co-founded in 2009 and of which I am managing director, celebrated its 9th birthday. It has been a helluva ride, one I've found to be deeply rewarding on many levels. As I mentioned to a colleague the other day, the best situation is when … Continue reading Happy 9th Birthday, Capstone Vietnam!
VOA Connect: Telling America’s Story
The Internet is chock-full of ironies. Tragically, Celia Barquin Arozamena, an international student from Puente San Miguel, Spain, was brutally raped and murdered earlier this week in the US heartland. Sadly, that, too, is part of America's Story. Click on the image to read this VOA report. Peace, MAA
The Latest Fake News on Vietnam
Follow this link or click on the image to read a 12 September 2018 article version of a blog post I wrote on 12 August 2018. Peace, MAA
Political Incest
Let's say you were a sniper in Iraq, and you had 20 confirmed kills. Years later, you realize the entire war was a Lie because Saddam Hussein had nothing to do with September 11th and Iraq never had any weapons of mass destruction and the U.S. Government knew it all along. So, as an American … Continue reading Political Incest
Shifting focus: Vietnamese students & overseas study destinations
There is never a dull moment in the dynamic Southeast Asian country of Viet Nam, including among its overseas-bound students. While overall interest in study in the US remains strong, there is also ample evidence of a shift to other countries, including Canada. Follow this link to read my latest PIE blog post. Peace, MAA
An International Educator in Vietnam 
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