I was recently invited to speak to a group of admissions colleagues from Vietnam National University (VNU)-Hanoi in a workshop entitled “Dossier Evaluation and Interviews in Competence-Based University Admissions," organized by that institution's Institute for Education Quality Assurance in Kim Boi, Hoa Binh. During two morning sessions, I discussed some distinguishing features of U.S. higher education, including size and … Continue reading U.S. Higher Education Admissions: Something for Everyone (?)
Commentary
Vietnam should teach kindness to children
This is an interview I recently did with Tuổi Trẻ. Note: The title is from the editor. Editor’s Note: Mark Ashwill is the managing director and founder of Capstone Vietnam, a human resource development company that provides education and training solutions. He was the country director of the Institute of International Education in Vietnam from 2005 to … Continue reading Vietnam should teach kindness to children
Two Universities Request Permission to Charge $5,000 for Tuition
As everyone knows, establishing and maintaining a quality university does not come cheap. The Vietnamese-Germany University, which is an example of cooperation between the Vietnamese and German governments (i.e., the state of Hessen), was established in September 2009 in HCMC with total investment capital of $177.14 million, 90% of which is from foreign loans. The University of Science … Continue reading Two Universities Request Permission to Charge $5,000 for Tuition
Guest Post: A U.S. Colleague’s Perspective on Vietnamese Students
I’ve been involved in international education for a long time, having lived and worked in both the U.S. and overseas. I love what I do. I get to travel the world, meet wonderful students, supportive parents, and dedicated colleagues who are also interested in international education. In all of my years of travel, however, I had never … Continue reading Guest Post: A U.S. Colleague’s Perspective on Vietnamese Students
At the forefront of international higher education
On 5 April, a large group of colleagues, students and friends gathered in Boston to honour the career of Philip Altbach, director of the Center for International Higher Education and J Donald Monan SJ professor of higher education in the school of education at Boston College, US. He will retire from his professorship, but continue … Continue reading At the forefront of international higher education
Diplomas, Transcripts & Certificates – Sellin’ Like Hotcakes!
Get 'em while they last! (The only limit is the one your bank imposes on you...) Boost Your Job! (Just pray your current or prospective employee doesn't check on the authenticity of your spanking new - and very fake - sheepskin. Degree verification services, anyone?) Get Your Degree! Why earn one when you can buy one! Take advantage of our 25% … Continue reading Diplomas, Transcripts & Certificates – Sellin’ Like Hotcakes!
Part II of The Trials & Tribulations of Proselytizing in the “Lost World” of Vietnam
These are not run-of-the-mill, live and let live Christians – they are evangelical Protestants, fundamentalists who believe - literally - what Jesus said: "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” And, more significantly, who act accordingly. Nonbelievers, who, in their opinion, encompass most of humanity, including Yours truly (I’m neither a fundamentalist … Continue reading Part II of The Trials & Tribulations of Proselytizing in the “Lost World” of Vietnam
Southern Baptists Bearing Gifts? The Trials & Tribulations of Proselytizing in Vietnam
Coming Back - Not only to work and otherwise continue their lives but to convert the heathens to Christianity. Exhibit A, this post of the same name (my bold) about a young Vietnamese woman who earned a Master’s degree and accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior in Australia. Ly just returned to Vietnam after two years … Continue reading Southern Baptists Bearing Gifts? The Trials & Tribulations of Proselytizing in Vietnam
When Nationalism and Militarism Become One
Note: This HuffPo blog post is not related to Vietnam, at least directly, but is directly related to the field of international education, especially in the U.S. This image, captured in a Macy's Department Store, is a not-so-subtle appeal to American consumers' national pride (read nationalism) and respect for the military in a nation in which mindless … Continue reading When Nationalism and Militarism Become One
Hail, the Street Cleaners!
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve observed – with great interest, admiration and respect - street cleaners doing their thing: picking up, sweeping, and hauling the refuse du jour away in their little carts, thereby restoring a measure of order and cleanliness to what are usually very messy days. The World Is Your Trash Can? … Continue reading Hail, the Street Cleaners!
An International Educator in Vietnam 
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