In Vietnam, where cheating is a national pastime and ethical business practices are in dangerously short supply, the world of educational consulting is no exception. EducationUSA fantasies notwithstanding, the reality is that most parents and students work with an education agent instead of applying directly to U.S. (and other foreign) colleges and universities, as in other … Continue reading Education Companies in Vietnam: Take a Walk on the Wild Side (Part I)
Commentary
“Revitalizing Vietnam’s Economic Miracle”
Last month, I was invited to speak to a group of U.S. students who are participating in a fall study abroad program that begins in HCMC and spends the remainder of the semester in Hanoi. My assigned topic was Revitalizing Vietnam’s Economic Miracle. After a brief refresher on Vietnam in the recent past, I took them on a … Continue reading “Revitalizing Vietnam’s Economic Miracle”
Gaming the System, International Student-Style
Gaming the system (also referred to as gaming the rules, bending the rules, abusing the system, milking the system, playing the system, or working the system) can be defined as using the rules and procedures meant to protect a system in order, instead, to manipulate the system for a desired outcome. Here’s a relevant hypothetical … Continue reading Gaming the System, International Student-Style
U.S. Higher Education Admissions: Something for Everyone (?)
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 (?)
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
An International Educator in Vietnam 
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