Another Visit to Ha Long Bay: And the Beat Goes On

Mark A. Ashwill Commentary , , ,

My first visit to Ha Long Bay was in 1996. Vietnam was still poor, which meant the consumer economy had yet to kick into high gear. As a result, the environment was cleaner. The lack of money meant little to no development and a much more beautiful cityscape, such as it was, and a cleaner … Continue reading Another Visit to Ha Long Bay: And the Beat Goes On

A Hanoi Restaurant That Lives in the Past

Mark A. Ashwill Commentary , ,

The Only Constant in Life Is Change. -Heraclitus The Vietnamese beer in the old Asahi glass says it all. 😢 We decided to go to a Japanese restaurant that we patronize regularly back in the day. (I will omit its name to protect the guilty.) The place was always hopping, full of customers, including many … Continue reading A Hanoi Restaurant That Lives in the Past

Frank Quan-Pham (’24) Achieves Perfect 36 ACT

Mark A. Ashwill Commentary , , , , ,

During a recent visit to the Capstone office in Hanoi. This is the headline of an April 26, 2023 Wisconsin Lutheran High School (Milwaukee, WI) press release. (Here's a report from the local CBS affiliate: International student at Wisconsin Lutheran High School earns perfect score on ACT.) Quản Phạm Gia An (Frank) is a stellar … Continue reading Frank Quan-Pham (’24) Achieves Perfect 36 ACT

Charitable Causes in Vietnam: Part I

Mark A. Ashwill Announcement , , , ,

A Partial List for Foreigners Foreign friends and colleagues with an interest in Vietnam sometimes ask me which non-profit organizations are worth supporting. Since they are usually interested in a tax deduction, that narrows the list. The organizations listed below are registered charities in different countries. Blue Dragon Children's Foundation Blue Dragon Children's Foundation is … Continue reading Charitable Causes in Vietnam: Part I

QUIZ: Test Your Knowledge of Vietnam

Mark A. Ashwill Announcement , , , , , ,

This is a quiz Team Capstone and I created for colleagues from around the world who recruit Vietnamese students and do other international education-related work in Vietnam. While it's intended to be fun and educational, there's also a serious side to it. As everyone knows, it's important to know something about the countries in which … Continue reading QUIZ: Test Your Knowledge of Vietnam

Poster Session at NAFSA 2023: “Vietnamese Student Recruitment in the New Normal Era”

Mark A. Ashwill Commentary , , , ,

The calm before the storm. 😀 The NAFSA: Association of International Educators annual conference is one of the premier venues to conduct international education-related business. There are general sessions, poster sessions, an expo hall, receptions, and other social events, and days filled with meetings. This poster session was held at the annual conference in Washington, … Continue reading Poster Session at NAFSA 2023: “Vietnamese Student Recruitment in the New Normal Era”

CAPSTONE WEBINAR: Digital Marketing in Vietnam: How to Connect with Parents & Students

Mark A. Ashwill Announcement , , , , ,

Capstone's team will provide a comprehensive update about the digital behavior of Vietnamese and how to reach out to students and parents using a variety of media outlets and social media channels, including popular apps. All registered participants will receive the Zoom link in the days leading up to the webinar. Note: US higher education colleagues … Continue reading CAPSTONE WEBINAR: Digital Marketing in Vietnam: How to Connect with Parents & Students

The (Mis)Adventures of Flying on VietJet 😂 😡 🇻🇳

Mark A. Ashwill Commentary , ,

Waiting with bated breath for sweet liberation after our arrival in Hanoi. Photo by MAA Want to know the worst thing about flying on VietJet, whose slogan is "Enjoy flying" (Bay là thích ngay!)? No, it wasn't the spoiled little princess in back of me kicking my seat, putting her tray table up and down … Continue reading The (Mis)Adventures of Flying on VietJet 😂 😡 🇻🇳