vietnam

Vietnamese Billionaire to Donate $211 Million to University of Oxford College

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

An announcement on the International Vietnamese Academics Network's Facebook page jumped off my screen. Ly Le, who posted it, mentioned that while it was Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao's (Nguyễn Thị Phương Thảo) money and she could do what she wanted with it, she was sad for Viet Nam and for the donor. Ms. Thao is … Continue reading Vietnamese Billionaire to Donate $211 Million to University of Oxford College

“Higher Ed as a Weapon” Revisited

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

Below is a diplomatic cable that was leaked in the spring of 2008 by someone working for the US Embassy in Hanoi. I became aware of this document when it magically appeared in my inbox. Keep in mind that this was in the pre-Wikileaks era. Obviously, someone wanted the world to know (thank you, someone!) … Continue reading “Higher Ed as a Weapon” Revisited

The Latest Chapter in Vietnam’s Valiant Battle Against the Delta Variant

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

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

Of Spirits, Martyrs & Legends: the Magic & Sorrow of Vietnam’s Côn Sơn Island

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

Here's my latest essay for CounterPunch. The tomb of Võ Thị Sáu A short up-and-down overwater flight from Tân Sơn Nhất International Airport and, voilà, you’ve arrived. While your destination is just off the coast of southern Vietnam, it may as well be another world. In less than an hour, you are transported from the … Continue reading Of Spirits, Martyrs & Legends: the Magic & Sorrow of Vietnam’s Côn Sơn Island

Covid-19 silver lining: overseas study opportunities abound for Vietnamese students

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

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)

Mark A. Ashwill Commentary , , ,

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)

Constructive Criticism Rooted in Respect: A View from Vietnam

Mark A. Ashwill Articles, Commentary , ,

Here's my latest essay for CounterPunch. If you like this excerpt, follow this link to read the article in its entirety! I recently penned an essay about the scourge of environmental pollution in Viet Nam that was published by a major media outlet. Shortly after posting the article on LinkedIn, Mr. Pierre, a Frenchman living in Viet … Continue reading Constructive Criticism Rooted in Respect: A View from Vietnam

Hà Nội in the Fourth Wave: A Heartfelt Wish & a Hopeful Prediction

Mark A. Ashwill Commentary , , , , , ,

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

The Lasting Legacy of Good Teachers

Mark A. Ashwill Commentary , , , , ,

John Glenn says his dad's favorite president to work with was John F. Kennedy. Here, Edmund Glenn (left) and President Kennedy share a laugh. Photo courtesy of John Glenn The art of teaching is the art of assisting discovery. -Mark Van Doren I thought I would take this opportunity to launch a series of posts … Continue reading The Lasting Legacy of Good Teachers