China & Vietnam: A Study in the USA Comparison

Given the  intriguing historical relationship between Vietnam and China, I thought it might be interesting to do a brief comparison between the two as it relates to study in the USA. But first, here’s some basic up-to-date (as of 2014) information about each country. China The population of China is estimated at 1,393,783,836 as of … Continue reading China & Vietnam: A Study in the USA Comparison

One Less Finger in the Dike: Financial Autonomy & VN Higher Education

At least seven public universities in Vietnam have applied for “financial autonomy” since the government promised late last year that it would give them full control over fiscal affairs, including setting their own tuition rates.  Two of the applicants – Ton Duc Thang University and University of Economics in Ho Chi Minh City – have … Continue reading One Less Finger in the Dike: Financial Autonomy & VN Higher Education

Vietnam Education Dialogue: Higher Education Reforms

On July 31st and August 1st, US Consul General, Rena Bitter, hosted a conference on Vietnamese higher education.  The star-studded list of guests included Dr. Ngo Bao Chau, the first Vietnamese to receive the prestigious Fields Medal, known as the Nobel Prize of Mathematics, Dr. Nguyen Quan, Minister of Science and Technology, and Professor Bui … Continue reading Vietnam Education Dialogue: Higher Education Reforms

Higher Education Admission Reform in Vietnam: The Next Generation

Below is the English version of an article of mine that was published on the Vietnam National University-Hanoi website earlier this month.  Follow this link to read the Vietnamese translation:  ĐHQGHN đi đầu trong đổi mới căn bản và sâu sắc hệ thống tuyển sinh ĐH của Việt Nam. Just as Vietnam revealed its practical … Continue reading Higher Education Admission Reform in Vietnam: The Next Generation

“With A Boost From Bill Gates, Vietnam’s Entrepreneurs Put Profits Into Philanthropy”

Sharing is not a strange idea for ordinary Vietnamese, but big-scale altruism is rare so far, given that serious wealth accumulation started in Vietnam only in the past two decades. This is an issue I've discussed with some of you over the years.  First, make money and lots of it, thanks to the economic reforms … Continue reading “With A Boost From Bill Gates, Vietnam’s Entrepreneurs Put Profits Into Philanthropy”

Trends in Vietnamese Academic Mobility: Opportunities for U.S. Institutions

I'm pleased to share a report that was released earlier this week by World Education News & Reviews, published by World Education Services (WES).  A 2012 WES report identified Vietnam as one of the top four emerging countries from which to recruit international students.  Since that report was published, Vietnamese enrollment in U.S. HEIs has increased by 8%, … Continue reading Trends in Vietnamese Academic Mobility: Opportunities for U.S. Institutions

Of Emigration, Brain Drain & Brain Gain: Some Reflections

Over the years, I’ve known and helped many young Vietnamese who have studied overseas.  Some I knew in passing; others became friends.  Quite a few made the decision to remain overseas either in the country in which they studied or a third country.  By doing so, they slowly but surely began the transformation from Vietnamese … Continue reading Of Emigration, Brain Drain & Brain Gain: Some Reflections

2014 Vietnam Engineering Education Conference (VEEC)

The 2014 HEEAP Alliance Partners and Arizona State University will host the 2nd annual Vietnam Engineering Education Conference (VEEC) on March 25-26, 2014 in Ho Chi Minh City. VEEC 2014 is a major event bringing together global industry, government and academic professionals to discuss transformative ideas and solutions to engineering and technical education programs in … Continue reading 2014 Vietnam Engineering Education Conference (VEEC)

It’s Hard To Find Good Help These Days…

A.K.A. Skilling Up Vietnam: Preparing The Workforce for A Modern Market Economy This is a chronic problem that receives ongoing and extensive coverage in the media here.  Follow these links to read a recent article about this World Bank report and download all 138 pp. of it.  Below is an infographic that pretty much sums it up.

Education Companies in Vietnam: Take a Walk on the Wild Side (Part II)

Note:  Follow this link to read the first post in this two-part series. Due Diligence Some advice to my foreign higher education colleagues:  don't trust any of the come-ons or be seduced by the slick lines in (sometimes) passable English that arrive in your inboxes on a regular basis.  Do your homework, check references, and find out who's really behind … Continue reading Education Companies in Vietnam: Take a Walk on the Wild Side (Part II)