“Losing Hearts & Minds” Say What?

Mark A. Ashwill Books, Commentary , , , ,

(US) American-Iranian Relations & International Education during the Cold War The question remains about how institutions of higher education can thrive economically and promote responsible internationalization. On the one hand, educational exchange can help generate change around the world and enhance American influence and prestige. On the other hand, schools, like nations, should not compromise … Continue reading “Losing Hearts & Minds” Say What?

The Art & Science of Creating Good Videos

Mark A. Ashwill Commentary , , , ,

Vietnamese get most of their information from online sources, including social media, primarily Facebook.  They also watch a lot of video, 2 hours, 43 minutes a day, to be precise, according to the results of the annual We Are Social and Hootsuite update.  As a result, YouTube ranks 4th among all websites in Viet Nam, … Continue reading The Art & Science of Creating Good Videos

Q: How to Choose an Education Agent? A: Use Your Best Judgement

Mark A. Ashwill Commentary , , , ,

And Don't Forget the Tried-and-True Carrot & Stick Approach Colleagues sometimes ask me to recommend education agents in Viet Nam. While I'd like to be able to help them in this regard, I can't.  The simple reason is that this is such a problematic (read shady) and unregulated sector.  There is no one (or one … Continue reading Q: How to Choose an Education Agent? A: Use Your Best Judgement

Teacher’s Damning Critique of US Educational System (& Society) Goes Viral

Mark A. Ashwill Commentary , ,

This is a Facebook post by Julie Marburger, a sixth-grade teacher at Cedar Creek Intermediate School near Austin, Texas, that went viral.  It reflects the views of many US American teachers and those who are aware of the extremely difficult conditions under which most work.  Her post was picked up by the Star-Telegram in Fort … Continue reading Teacher’s Damning Critique of US Educational System (& Society) Goes Viral

Direct Applications on the Rise

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

While Viet Nam is still primarily an agent-driven market, growing numbers of students are beginning to bypass education agents and apply directly to educational institutions, especially for certain types of institutions and programs with simpler application procedures.  In some cases, more than 50% of all apps are directly from students. The reasons for this recent … Continue reading Direct Applications on the Rise

New Website: Recruit in Viet Nam

Mark A. Ashwill Announcement , , , , ,

Below is an announcement about a new website created by Capstone Vietnam, a full-service educational consulting company of which I'm managing director. Peace, MAA This website is intended to serve as a one-stop resource for student recruitment in Viet Nam for colleagues from all over the world.  It was inspired by a session that Dr. … Continue reading New Website: Recruit in Viet Nam

An Ode to International Student Recruiters

Mark A. Ashwill Commentary , , ,

One of the privileges and pleasures of my work is watching colleagues connect with young Vietnamese who are interested in overseas study, be it at a fair, coffee talk, info session, or individual meeting at a hotel.  Traveling to Viet Nam and other sending countries is still one of the most effective ways to recruit … Continue reading An Ode to International Student Recruiters

Catholicism, the Vietnamese Language, & Student Recruitment in Viet Nam

Mark A. Ashwill Commentary, Updates , ,

NOTE:  Don't worry, dear reader, I will have connected the dots, more or less, by the end of this post.  🙂 Among the various legacies of French colonialism, loosely defined, including colonial architecture, baguettes, butter, economic exploitation, war, and various words (bia-bière-beer, bơ-beurre-butter, bồ-beau-lover, cà phê-café--coffee, lavabo=sink, phô mai-fromage-cheese) was the introduction of Catholicism, which dates … Continue reading Catholicism, the Vietnamese Language, & Student Recruitment in Viet Nam