viet nam

Shifting focus: Vietnamese students & overseas study destinations

Mark A. Ashwill Articles , , , , ,

There is never a dull moment in the dynamic Southeast Asian country of Viet Nam, including among its overseas-bound students. While overall interest in study in the US remains strong, there is also ample evidence of a shift to other countries, including Canada. Follow this link to read my latest PIE blog post.  Peace, MAA

“More Demons Unleashed After Fulbright University Vietnam Official Drops Rhetorical Bombshells”

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

This 17 August 2018 CounterPunch article is the third in a trilogy.  Here are the first and second articles.  This should be my last word about this sad story.   Pardon the nasty military metaphor but it's not nearly as nasty as some of the quotes from "one of the most influential figures in the US-Viet Nam relationship you’ve never heard … Continue reading “More Demons Unleashed After Fulbright University Vietnam Official Drops Rhetorical Bombshells”

Working with Education Agents: A View from Vietnam

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

Below are a couple of excerpts from a blog post I wrote at the invitation of NAFSA's International Enrollment Management (IEM) Knowledge Community.   While there are some indications that growing numbers of students, who are better informed and more empowered than ever, are applying directly to foreign educational institutions - a trend that we should all encourage because … Continue reading Working with Education Agents: A View from Vietnam

The Red, White, & Blue Pot Calling the Kettle Black

Mark A. Ashwill Articles, Commentary , , ,

Nearly two dozen members of the U.S. Congress have written to the heads of Facebook and Google urging them not to comply with a new cybersecurity law in Vietnam, saying the legislation is in violation of international human rights standards and raises concerns under the country’s trade obligations. This is rich, coming from the greatest … Continue reading The Red, White, & Blue Pot Calling the Kettle Black

Grow Beyond – SEO-Vietnam Career Conference 2018

Mark A. Ashwill Announcement, Commentary, Conferences , ,

I recently saw this announcement on LinkedIn: Sponsors for Educational Opportunity - Vietnam is organizing the largest career conference in Vietnam in 2018, aiming at connecting top young professionals and fresh graduates to the top-notch firms in Vietnam. We are still open to more booths at the career fair. If you are interested to boost … Continue reading Grow Beyond – SEO-Vietnam Career Conference 2018

Student Recruitment at International Schools: A Small Part of the Overall Picture

Mark A. Ashwill Commentary , , , , ,

These schools are the path of least resistance for colleagues who want to promote their institutions to overseas-bound students, including Vietnamese and expats.  For example, they tend to have guidance counselors who are fluent in English, which facilitates communication and there is little to no bureaucratic red tape associated with a visit.   The reality, however, … Continue reading Student Recruitment at International Schools: A Small Part of the Overall Picture

Over Half the World is Online; Viet Nam Among Top 10 for Facebook Use

Mark A. Ashwill Updates , , , , ,

Essential Insights Into Internet, Social Media, Mobile, and E-Commerce Use Around the World Here's the latest, according to We are Social and Hootsuite.  Of the 7.615 billion human beings on this planet, 4.087 billion are online, which equals a global Internet penetration rate of 54%.  3.297 billion of them are active social media users, which amounts to … Continue reading Over Half the World is Online; Viet Nam Among Top 10 for Facebook Use

In Country Representatives: A Tale of Two Models

Mark A. Ashwill Commentary , , , , , ,

A growing number of educational institutions are turning to in country, including regional, representatives to assist them with international student recruitment.  While this option obviously costs more than other recruitment tools and techniques because it includes the cost of a local salary, benefits (?), and other expenses, including travel and marketing, it can potentially be … Continue reading In Country Representatives: A Tale of Two Models

“Vietnam needs to embrace its history fully”

Mark A. Ashwill Articles, Updates , , , ,

This well-known and often misquoted quote by George Santayana (1863-1952), a Spanish-US American philosopher, essayist, poet, and novelist who was born in Madrid and died in Rome, literally assumes there is something learned in the first place that has since been forgotten.  This is not the case with people who don't learn the good, the … Continue reading “Vietnam needs to embrace its history fully”