A Call for Universal Empathy: We Are “The Other”

Here's my latest essay for University World News. Below is an unedited version, including quotes that do not appear in the published version. Image: iStock While I was deeply gratified and moved to see the outpouring of support for Ukraine and its people on various social media channels in response to the Russian invasion, I … Continue reading A Call for Universal Empathy: We Are “The Other”

Russian Invasion of Ukraine Elicits Selective Outrage & Sympathy

While I'm gratified to see the outpouring of support for Ukraine and its people on various social media channels, I realize how selective it is knowing that the US government and military have done the exact same thing. In a sense, Russia is taking a bloody page out of the US foreign policy playbook, which … Continue reading Russian Invasion of Ukraine Elicits Selective Outrage & Sympathy

“Ethical agents should support direct student admissions”

Students occasionally ask one co-author, who has lived and worked in Viet Nam since 2005, whether or not they can apply directly. The answer is an enthusiastic ‘Yes’, if they feel sufficiently confident. The original working title, Imagine a World Without Agents, We Wonder If You Can - with a grateful nod to John Lennon … Continue reading “Ethical agents should support direct student admissions”

Laura W. Bush, Plenary Speaker at NAFSA 2018. Say What?!?

I'm still shaking my head in disbelief, wondering why NAFSA:  Association of International Educators chose Laura Bush as a plenary speaker for its 2018 annual conference in Philadelphia, PA, USA.  What does she have to offer international educators who attend these speeches to learn something, gain a new insight or two, be inspired?  Here's her … Continue reading Laura W. Bush, Plenary Speaker at NAFSA 2018. Say What?!?

“International Students Contribute to Our Economy & American Innovation”

This image, created by NAFSA:  Association of International Educators, a "non-profit professional organization for professionals in all areas of international education including education abroad advising and administration," was recently posted on Facebook by a US higher education colleague.  All compelling points with which I agree 100%.  In fact, they could create another graphic that lists … Continue reading “International Students Contribute to Our Economy & American Innovation”

Latest Executive Order Undermines America’s Safety & Values (NAFSA)

To the students, scholars, doctors, refugees, family members and others who wonder if the United States has lost its commitment to its core values as a nation of freedom, opportunity and welcome, let me unequivocally state that American citizens will not tolerate policies such as these that undermine our values and endanger our safety. We … Continue reading Latest Executive Order Undermines America’s Safety & Values (NAFSA)

Cross-Border Education vs. Overseas Study: Similar But Different

In the 1 July 2014 issue of NAFSA.news there was a misleading statement about Vietnamese students and overseas study.  Below are 1) the headline and statement from NAFSA; and 2) the actual University World News article on which the NAFSA post is based, along with my response. [For the uninitiated, NAFSA:  Association of International Educators, … Continue reading Cross-Border Education vs. Overseas Study: Similar But Different