Vietnam climbs to seventh worldwide for number of Facebook users: report

This is the latest top 10 ranking for Viet Nam and it's extraordinary like the country itself, in many respects.  It was not that many years ago when Vietnamese Facebook accounts numbered in the hundreds of thousands.  What is especially striking is the 40% increase in only six months.  In a population of about 96 … Continue reading Vietnam climbs to seventh worldwide for number of Facebook users: report

Trump is not deterring Vietnamese from studying in US

Here are the introduction and conclusion to my latest (7.7.17) University World News article about the possible impact of political changes in the US, in particular, on young Vietnamese studying overseas.  It includes links to recent articles.  If these excerpts whet your appetite for more, follow this link to read the article in its entirety.  … Continue reading Trump is not deterring Vietnamese from studying in US

Myanmar: a new frontier for international student recruitment

Since political and economic liberalization, the advent of a multiparty democratic system, and the lifting of economic sanctions, the country has been opening up to the world in grand fashion. The above quote is from a 7.7.17 PIE News blog post that I co-authored with Deepak Neopane, the founder of City College Yangon and managing … Continue reading Myanmar: a new frontier for international student recruitment

Foreigner attacked after traffic incident

The video of this incident, which occurred on 23 June in Hanoi, went viral with 2 million views.  Below is a summary from DanTri International.  (Here's a better version of the video that is linked in the article.) Some witnesses said that the fight on Tran Khat Chan Street started when the man drove his … Continue reading Foreigner attacked after traffic incident

In Viet Nam, Good Parenting Equals A Straight-A Kid, Plus an American Degree

Call it love, ambition or obsession, but the only thing most Vietnamese care about is a well-educated child. It's probably a bit of each.  Parents generally want the best for their children and overseas study, especially in the US, which is the world's second leading host of Vietnamese students, is seen as one means to … Continue reading In Viet Nam, Good Parenting Equals A Straight-A Kid, Plus an American Degree

Nativism Not Nationalism (!)

In her 16 June 2017 University World News article US student mobility trends in a global context Rajika Bhandari refers to "the rise of nationalism around the world and what is perceived as a turning inward of many traditional host destinations that have typically attracted large numbers of students and scholars from around the world."  … Continue reading Nativism Not Nationalism (!)

Decoding International Students’ Experiences With Education Agents: Insights for U.S. Institutions

This is an excellent survey conducted by World Education Services (WES) about the use of education agents by students around the world - with the exception of Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa. Here's a brief note about their analysis, including some caveats. Survey results are broken down by region of origin. We … Continue reading Decoding International Students’ Experiences With Education Agents: Insights for U.S. Institutions

Government to ease rules on foreign investment in HE

This is yet another example of the Vietnamese government's flexibility, as well as its ability to make mid-course corrections and learn from past mistakes. A new government decree to ease the way for foreign investment in education in Vietnam, likely to be approved by the country’s leadership as early as June, will streamline procedures and … Continue reading Government to ease rules on foreign investment in HE

The Education Agent Issue in the US: Like a Bad Penny

It’s reminiscent of those trick candles that delight children and adults alike.  (OK, some adults.)  You blow them out and they continue to relight themselves – like magic!  While the US was late to the agent debate, actions that have been taken to date, while most would agree represent progress, have clearly not assuaged everyone’s … Continue reading The Education Agent Issue in the US: Like a Bad Penny

The Fat Lady Finally Sings: Bob Kerrey Quietly Resigns from Fulbright University Vietnam Leadership Position

Below is an excerpt from my latest CounterPunch article about Bob Kerrey and Fulbright University Vietnam.  Think of it as the 2017 bookend to my 2016 CP article, Bob Kerrey and Fulbright University – What were they thinking?, published a month after the controversy erupted.  Follow this link to read it in its entirety.  MAA … Continue reading The Fat Lady Finally Sings: Bob Kerrey Quietly Resigns from Fulbright University Vietnam Leadership Position