Status: 2.7.22 (Mayo Clinic) It's deliciously ironic that I had to submit a negative COVID test result as a precondition for traveling to the country that is #1 in the number of coronavirus infections and deaths. I religiously wore my fashionable black mask on flights, a requirement on Japan Airlines but not American Airlines, in … Continue reading A Trip to the COVID Capital of the World
COVID-19
Successful Student Recruitment in Vietnam: Stories from the Field
Wednesday, June 1, 2022 from 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM MDT Some institutions currently active in Vietnam are achieving their recruitment goals with impressive results. This session takes a look at a U.S. high school with a boarding option, a community college, and a four-year university that have been successful recruiting high performing Vietnamese students and … Continue reading Successful Student Recruitment in Vietnam: Stories from the Field
Maskless US Colleagues Roll the COVID-19 Dice
I was scrolling through my LinkedIn feed when I saw this photo, taken at the recent AIEA conference in New Orleans, and a colleague's comment: First time in my 40 year career to ever comment on how great it is to see maskless intl educators at work at a conference. My first thought was, Has … Continue reading Maskless US Colleagues Roll the COVID-19 Dice
Another Year of Living (and Dying) with COVID-19
As 2021 draws to a merciful close, I thought this would be a good time to glance at the latest COVID-19 stats in Viet Nam, including the ones that give me and others hope. While most people tend to obsess over the daily number of infections, I periodically check the number of vaccinations because a vaccinated … Continue reading Another Year of Living (and Dying) with COVID-19
Vietnamese Student Enrollment in the US Drops by 9% in 2020/21
The US experienced a dramatic but not unexpected decline of 15% in its 2020/21 international student population bringing the total to under 1 million. The primary reason cited is the COVID-19 pandemic. Another important reason is the Trump administration. IIE probably didn't introduce this rather large (orange) elephant in the room because Open Doors (OD) … Continue reading Vietnamese Student Enrollment in the US Drops by 9% in 2020/21
The latest chapter in Vietnam’s valiant battle against the Delta variant
The good news is that most Vietnamese and expats are beginning to bask in the light at the end of tunnel. Hanoians getting exercise after the COVID-related restrictions were lifted in September 2021. Photo: Khanh Huy/ The Hanoi Times A revised and updated version of this article, originally published on 28.10.21 by CounterPunch, appeared in … Continue reading The latest chapter in Vietnam’s valiant battle against the Delta variant
The Latest Chapter in Vietnam’s Valiant Battle Against the Delta Variant
Here's my latest essay for CounterPunch. Reading time: ~17 minutes. The hectic, sun-drenched streets of the capital have fallen silentIn the middle of the dayThe empty parks surrounded by yellow ribbons that exclaim,Keep out! Shuttered stores and barricaded neighborhoodsLivelihoods diminished; plans put on hold; dreams deferredMasked people shuffling around like otherworldly figuresWaiting patiently, resolutely, and … Continue reading The Latest Chapter in Vietnam’s Valiant Battle Against the Delta Variant
Covid-19 silver lining: overseas study opportunities abound for Vietnamese students
Here's my latest essay for VNExpress International. Looking forward to seeing the Vietnamese version for my target audience. Educational institutions in key host countries, most of which bore the brunt of Covid's fury last year, are reopening their doors to international students, including those from Vietnam. One silver lining of Covid-19 and its impact on … Continue reading Covid-19 silver lining: overseas study opportunities abound for Vietnamese students
Got the COVID Blues (Lord, Have Mercy on Me)
The fourth wave of COVID-19 in Viet Nam "inspired" me to write the lyrics for a song called...wait for it!... Got the COVID Blues. Think uptempo, piano, saxophone and/or electric guitar, bass, and piano. Can you feel the beat? I'm workin' from home in my gilded cageDreamin' of travel in the post-COVID ageCoronavirus on the … Continue reading Got the COVID Blues (Lord, Have Mercy on Me)
Hà Nội in the Fourth Wave: A Heartfelt Wish & a Hopeful Prediction
Hoàn Kiếm Lake in the heart of Hà Nội during the lockdown. My hopeful prediction came true! Earlier this week, the lockdown ended, barricades were removed, and people were out and about. Like flipping a switch, Hanoi was back in business! We've returned to the crazy traffic that is the old normal. This capital city … Continue reading Hà Nội in the Fourth Wave: A Heartfelt Wish & a Hopeful Prediction
An International Educator in Viet Nam 
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