Commentary

“Will Vietnamese student numbers in the US recover post-COVID?”

Mark A. Ashwill Articles, Commentary , , , , , ,

This photo is from one of Capstone's fall flex-fairs. This is my latest essay for University World News, uploaded yesterday. The (editor's) title is a rhetorical question that I'm pleased to answer in the affirmative, assuming institutions act accordingly. I address some possible steps to take in the last section entitled A time to rebuild. … Continue reading “Will Vietnamese student numbers in the US recover post-COVID?”

Vietnamese Student Numbers Down Slightly “Down Under”

Mark A. Ashwill Commentary, Updates , , , ,

Vietnamese enrollments in Australia declined by 6% from January to October 2020, according to the Australian Department of Education, Skills and Employment. Viet Nam ranks fourth among sending countries after China, India, and Nepal. The total number of young Vietnamese at all levels was 23,943, as of October. (The total YOY decrease from 10-19 to … Continue reading Vietnamese Student Numbers Down Slightly “Down Under”

“Things we are grateful for in 2020”

Mark A. Ashwill Commentary , , , , , , , , ,

Leonardo (His smile puts a smile on my face.) I feel compelled to share this message of hope with you. It was written and posted on 31 December 2020 by my friend, Huong, and her husband, Enrico, who live in Singapore. For them, last year was the pinnacle of happiness and the dark depths of … Continue reading “Things we are grateful for in 2020”

Wishing Everyone a Happy, Healthy, & Peaceful Solar New Year!

Mark A. Ashwill Announcement, Commentary , , , , ,

As I stated in my holiday message to friends and colleagues, 2020 was certainly a year to remember and, in many respects, one to forget. While there have been some professional silver linings to COVID-19, innovations that we will continue in the post-COVID-19 era, it has been a year of pain and loss for so … Continue reading Wishing Everyone a Happy, Healthy, & Peaceful Solar New Year!

Christmas in Viet Nam

Mark A. Ashwill Commentary , , , , ,

St. Joseph's Cathedral, Hanoi. Photo by MAA Having lived in Viet Nam for over 15 years, I can say with absolute certainty that I enjoy Christmas here more than in the US. Even though most Vietnamese are not Christian, it is still a special and even magical time. You see children (and adults!) posing for photos … Continue reading Christmas in Viet Nam

“Vietnamese collectivism during challenging time inspires foreigner”

Mark A. Ashwill Commentary , , , ,

Photo courtesy of Hanoi Times Follow this link to read some reflections about COVID-19 in an essay I wrote last July at the request of Hanoi Times. Here are two excerpts to whet your appetite for more - or not. One of the traits of the Vietnamese people that inspires me is their optimism during … Continue reading “Vietnamese collectivism during challenging time inspires foreigner”

“A Thief in the Night, But Not Too Smart”

Mark A. Ashwill Articles, Commentary , , , , , ,

Courtesy of Mango Press Bill Hayton aka "Virgin White," a one-time BBC journalist who was essentially kicked out of Viet Nam in March 2007, strikes again, this time with a book about China entitled The Invention of China. I stumbled upon this article because of one word, dubious, linked to one of my blog posts, … Continue reading “A Thief in the Night, But Not Too Smart”

“Qualities incomprehensible to the ‘think tank’ specialists”

Mark A. Ashwill Articles, Commentary , , , , ,

Below is an excerpt from Ho Chi Minh - An Appreciation by Wilfred Burchett. It was published in 1972 but its relevance in 2020 is obvious. It would be interesting to have a discussion, especially with young Vietnamese, about their interpretation of Burchett's wartime reflections. Thanks to his son, George, for the heads-up. If it … Continue reading “Qualities incomprehensible to the ‘think tank’ specialists”