Well, yes and no... Positives: advances in health and education + cash income; increase in average living space from 9.2 m2 to 16.9 m2; literacy is now 94%, "almost universal among younger groups and there is little difference between urban and rural;" increase in life expectancy to 72.8 years ("largest gains among women," not surprisingly); 1.2% … Continue reading “Vietnam Stats Show Remarkable Progress”
Articles
Positioning Vietnam: today determines tomorrow
A short and sweet overview by Vu Minh Khuong, Assistant Professor of Economics at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore, of three strengths (geographic, strategic, and demographic advantages, political stability, and human capital) and three "fundamental weaknesses" (lack of commitment to "unleashing the full impact of market forces," inadequate attention paid to good … Continue reading Positioning Vietnam: today determines tomorrow
“Get a Ph.D. in America Without Knowing English!”
This is the title of a June 16th article about U.S.-based rogue providers (unaccredited schools) operating in Vietnam (Làm tiến sĩ ở Mỹ nhưng không biết tiếng Anh!). The English translation of the article, entitled Director Questioned About Dubious US Doctoral Degree, was published on 6/23 by VietnamNet. The "university" in question is Southern Pacific University, which … Continue reading “Get a Ph.D. in America Without Knowing English!”
“Consumers driving Vietnam into ‘golden age'”
Vietnam's major exports include its famed coffee beans and minor ones like tea, but from scooter maker Piaggio to prominent local businessmen, investors are making their biggest bets on the Vietnamese consumer. At the heart of this gamble is a demographic shift in Vietnam that could mirror the economic transformation of mid-sized countries such as … Continue reading “Consumers driving Vietnam into ‘golden age'”
Laureate Education lures Clinton as ‘honorary chancellor’
Laureate Education Inc., a Baltimore-based for-profit higher education company, said Monday (April 26) that it scored former President Bill Clinton as its "honorary chancellor" – a high-profile position that's expected to raise the company's profile abroad. The company, which owns a global network of more than 50 campus-based and online institutions in 21 countries, tapped Clinton … Continue reading Laureate Education lures Clinton as ‘honorary chancellor’
“Graduation rate at high schools tops 80% target”
VietNamNet Bridge – Nearly 83 per cent of people between the age of 18 and 21 in HCM City completed the 12th grade last year, which exceeded the target set by the city’s People’s Committee by 8 per cent, according to the city’s Department of Education and Training. Huynh Cong Minh, director of the education … Continue reading “Graduation rate at high schools tops 80% target”
“Agent Provocateur” – The Growing Pains of Agency-Based International Student Recruitment in the U.S.
At a Hunan restaurant in Flushing, Queens, members of the newly formed Chinese Returnees International (CRI) suck on spicy spare ribs and quaff green tea. They've come for camaraderie and conversation--but they also have loftier goals. "Our primary concern is to make an easier road for overseas Chinese students who want to go back to … Continue reading “Agent Provocateur” – The Growing Pains of Agency-Based International Student Recruitment in the U.S.
“Employers give university graduates an ‘F’ in life”
According to a survey conducted by the Vietnam Institute for Educational Research, up to 83 percent of university graduates are considered by employers to be lacking “life skills”. Hard to define ‘soft skills’ – decision-making, working in teams, and time management – are major determining factors in the success of people. And university graduates seem … Continue reading “Employers give university graduates an ‘F’ in life”
“How many dollars are hidden under the bed?”
It is estimated that Vietnam has $40 billion in cash, including $10 billion in foreign currency reserves, $20 billion held by banks, and $10 billion in the hands (and safes) of individuals. What is this money for? To purchase big ticket items such as cars, real estate, gold and overseas study, to mention just a … Continue reading “How many dollars are hidden under the bed?”
U.S. Students in Vietnam
According to the latest statistics (i.e., 2007/08), there are fewer than 700 U.S. students in Vietnam. Most come with short-term programs, including study tours. In contrast, there were nearly 13,000 Vietnamese students enrolled in U.S. degree programs last year - the higher education equivalent of a massive trade imbalance. In addition to quantity, it would be great to see more diversity in … Continue reading U.S. Students in Vietnam
An International Educator in Vietnam 
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