Of US-Based Visa Mills, Diploma Mills & Other Rogue Providers

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

Government watchdogs say the recent visa fraud cases have exposed gaps in ICE's oversight of schools that admit foreign students - a problem the agency says is being corrected. And experts say the scams hurt the reputation of the U.S. higher education system, which currently enrolls about 900,000 foreign students. "Fake Colleges Attract Attention From … Continue reading Of US-Based Visa Mills, Diploma Mills & Other Rogue Providers

Student Visa Counseling Services

Mark A. Ashwill Commentary , , , ,

There’s a new consulting kid on the block. The announcement below, which recently appeared in my inbox, is from a US-based company (I'll call it "Student Visa Company") that is looking for education agents in Vietnam and elsewhere to refer students to their visa counseling service. Visa Problems? A Former Vice-Consul is Here to Help … Continue reading Student Visa Counseling Services

The Student (F-1) Visa As a One-Way Ticket (To Emigration)

Mark A. Ashwill Commentary , , , , ,

Let's face it - some international students are using the F-1 as a relatively easy way to emigrate.  This is one of the reasons why the US Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) is classified as a high fraud post, in addition to issues with the Fiancé(e) (K-1) visa.  In other words, said … Continue reading The Student (F-1) Visa As a One-Way Ticket (To Emigration)

The Monsanto Vietnam “Charm Offensive” Continues

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

Why are these children smiling?  Is it because they're excited at the prospect of tasting the sweetness of Monsanto's generosity through its most recent philanthropic activity - in cooperation with Room to Read?  Naw, it's just a file photo, but you get the idea.  Vietnamese children, smiling faces, Monsanto's latest charitable gesture in a country … Continue reading The Monsanto Vietnam “Charm Offensive” Continues

Nearly Half of all Int’l Students in the US Enrolled at 100 Institutions

Mark A. Ashwill Commentary, Updates , , ,

You've heard about concentration of wealth and income.  What about international students?  It might surprise you to learn that 429,921 international students out of 886,052 in the US are enrolled at 100 institutions.  To put this in perspective keep in mind that about 1500 US colleges and universities out of nearly 4,000 regionally accredited schools … Continue reading Nearly Half of all Int’l Students in the US Enrolled at 100 Institutions

“What Students in China Have Taught Me About U.S. College Admissions”

Mark A. Ashwill Commentary , ,

So what’s an international admission officer to do? These individuals admittedly have their work cut out for them in a way that domestic admission officers do not. Domestic admission officers have mounds of historical data upon which they can project matriculation percentages, future GPA, and graduation rates. International admission officers—in order to do things the … Continue reading “What Students in China Have Taught Me About U.S. College Admissions”

Close the SEVIS Record Transfer Loophole Now!

Mark A. Ashwill Commentary , , ,

To kick off the (Solar) New Year this is the first in a trilogy of posts that involve either gaming the system or visa fraud.  The remaining two... Financial Document Fraud & Visa Applications The F-1 (Student Visa) As a Ticket To Emigration will be posted by the end of the month.  Here's to another … Continue reading Close the SEVIS Record Transfer Loophole Now!

Journalism or Political Ax-Grinding?: Setting the Record Straight

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

My last post of 2014, a great year, in many respects.  Below I describe one online adventure that illustrates the status of the Internet as both a blessing and a curse.  The main lesson here?  Read everything with a critical eye, check the source and question the intent.  Pause and think before jumping on the … Continue reading Journalism or Political Ax-Grinding?: Setting the Record Straight

“Onward Christian Soldiers…” – International Students As Low-Hanging Fruit

Mark A. Ashwill Commentary , , , ,

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 … Continue reading “Onward Christian Soldiers…” – International Students As Low-Hanging Fruit