Study Hacks Blog: On Monks and Email

Short and sweet.  Amen to Cal Newport's latest post about thinking. We hook people up to email inboxes and Slack channels because it’s convenient. We justify Twitter addictions on the grounds that we need to be “part of the conversation,” and compulsively post to Instagram to bolster our “social media brand.” But few organizations think … Continue reading Study Hacks Blog: On Monks and Email

Albright & Powell to Speak at the NAFSA 2019 Annual Conference: Say What?

What Were They Thinking? My actions are my only true belongings. I cannot escape the consequences of my actions. My actions are the ground on which I stand. The Buddha's Fifth Remembrance from his Five Remembrances (PDF download) I'm pretty sure What Were They Thinking? is going to be the subtitle of an article about the … Continue reading Albright & Powell to Speak at the NAFSA 2019 Annual Conference: Say What?

“Ethical agents should support direct student admissions”

Students occasionally ask one co-author, who has lived and worked in Viet Nam since 2005, whether or not they can apply directly. The answer is an enthusiastic ‘Yes’, if they feel sufficiently confident. The original working title, Imagine a World Without Agents, We Wonder If You Can - with a grateful nod to John Lennon … Continue reading “Ethical agents should support direct student admissions”

“The shift of Vietnamese students to Canada marches on”

Here is my latest essay for University World News.  If you like the teaser below, follow this link to read the article in its entirety.  This is a follow-up to an April 2018 article I wrote entitled Vietnamese students look at the US and head north (editor's title).   I placed a gentleman's bet with myself that … Continue reading “The shift of Vietnamese students to Canada marches on”

“International education ‘number one priority’ for US bureau”

At the February IIE Summit 2019, Marie Royce, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), US State Department, told her audience that international education is the #1 priority for ECA.  Her deputy, Caroline Casagrande, confirmed that “additional resources” have been obtained to promote outbound and inbound study abroad.  What "additional resources," I wonder?  In terms of … Continue reading “International education ‘number one priority’ for US bureau”

“Foreign student numbers should be cut, say Australians”

A national survey, commissioned by the University of New South Wales (UNSW), unexpectedly revealed the growing public antagonism to the international visitors. So much so that a majority of people now believe the government should call a halt to any increase in their numbers. I wonder when we'll hear this from the MAGA crowd and … Continue reading “Foreign student numbers should be cut, say Australians”

International recruitment – Are education agents welcome?

This is the second in a series of co-authored articles about commissions-based recruitment of international students.  The other co-author is Eddie West, executive director of international programs at UC Berkeley Extension. Previously, he served as director of international initiatives at the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC). Eddie blogs at International Education Insights. The first article, … Continue reading International recruitment – Are education agents welcome?

Expanding the Fulbright Legacy in Vietnam (?)

It ain't what you don't know that gets you into trouble. It's what you know for sure that just ain't so.  -Mark Twain (1835-1910)   This was the title of a 2018 article written by Mary Beth Marklein (MBM) for Change: The Magazine of Higher Learning (Volume 50, 2018 - Issue 1, pp. 63-70).  The online … Continue reading Expanding the Fulbright Legacy in Vietnam (?)

Another Make-Work Job for ICE

Set thine house in order... 2 Kings 20: 1 It's as if the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) branch of the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has nothing better to do than to create yet another faux university to entrap more people like so many flies to honey.  Enter the University of Farmington in … Continue reading Another Make-Work Job for ICE