GREETINGS
Welcome
Greetings from The President

We are extremely honored that Keuka College will serve as the host institution for the December 2025 ASAIHL Conference in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam—our second time hosting this prestigious event, and our very first time doing so in Vietnam. This milestone would not be possible without the incredible partnership and support of the University of Economics and Finance (UEF) in Ho Chi Minh City.

We are honored to host an international conversation on a topic central to our mission: LEARN BY DOING: Experiential Learning in International Education. Keuka College President Amy Storey

The conference will bring together thought leaders, educators, and industry professionals to share ideas, research, and best practices under three critical sub-themes:

  • Career Management – Preparing students for an ever-changing global workforce
  • Global Citizenship Optimization – Fostering cultural competence and social responsibility
  • High-Impact Practices – Exploring transformative learning experiences, including internships, co-ops, and undergraduate research

This gathering represents more than an academic discussion—it reflects our shared commitment to shaping a future where education transcends borders and empowers students worldwide. We are excited to showcase the power of experiential learning in building meaningful, global-ready careers.

We look forward to welcoming colleagues from around the world to join us in Vietnam for what promises to be an engaging and impactful event.

President, Keuka College

Amy Storey

 

What's On
LEARN BY DOING: Experiential Learning in International Education

Keuka College, a leader in hands-on, real-world education, will host the ASAIHL Winter 2025 Conference, “Learn by Doing: Experiential Learning in Higher Education.” The program will showcase global strategies for equipping graduates with the practical skills, adaptability, and confidence needed to thrive in today’s workforce.

At the heart of Keuka College’s expertise is its signature Field Period® program — an annual requirement for every undergraduate since 1942. Each year, students design and complete a self-directed internship, service project, or research experience, applying classroom knowledge in professional and community settings locally and abroad. This immersive model fosters communication, problem-solving, cultural competency, and career readiness — skills that consistently lead to success, with 96% of Keuka College graduates employed or in graduate school within six months.

Conference sessions will explore how instructors can leverage internships, placements, and undergraduate research to help students develop the soft skills necessary to:

• Communicate complex topics to colleagues
• Utilize critical thinking in complex problem solving
• Build consensus and buy-in on projects and campaigns
• Carry out tasks and assignments, from concept to execution

Among the featured Keuka College leaders is Dr. Michael Hwang, Administrative Chancellor for China Campuses. Dr. Hwang is an authority on adapting experiential learning to diverse cultural and institutional contexts, building pathways that connect international education with workplace success.

Through keynote lectures, panel discussions, and collaborative sessions, the conference will highlight proven methods, innovative practices, and measurable outcomes, inviting participants to share research and strategies that make experiential learning truly transformational.

LEARN BY DOING: Experiential Learning in International Education

Conference sessions will explore THREE SUB-THEMES:

  • Career Management
  • Global Citizenship Optimization
  • High Impact Practices such as internships, co-ops, and undergraduate research
WHAT'S ON
CONFERENCE AGENDA
THE PROGRAM

KEYNOTE SPEECH – FROM CLASSROOM TO CAREER

KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Dr. Carrie Roberts, Keuka College (USA)

Associate Vice President for Experiential Education and Wellness, Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning
Professor of Occupational Therapy

REGISTER HERE to Join Us for ASAIHL 2025 in HCMC

JOIN US
Register to Attend
REGISTER

ACTIVE ASAIHL The Head of each ASAIHL Member Institution or Organization can nominate and send three (3) participants to the Conference FREE OF CHARGE. Attendees from Non-Member Institutions or Inactive Institutions must pay a registration fee of US$300 per attendee.

CONFERENCE FEES  
Non-ASAIHL Member Participants: USD $300
ASAIHL Nominated Participants Free of Charge (Up to 3 Representatives / Institution)
Invited Speakers: Free of Charge

Please reach out with questions and information for bank transfer: asaihl2025@keuka.edu.

Register HERE

(This is an MSForms file that asks for: Name, Institution, E-mail, Phone /  Dietary Needs, if any / Interest in Social & Cultural Program Options.

If you have any difficulties or concerns with registration on the link, please reach out: asaihl2025@keuka.edu

JOIN IN
CALL FOR PAPERS
SUBMIT A PRESENTATION

The deadline for program submissions has passed.

WHERE
Stay At The Conference Venue
VENUE - NEW WORLD HOTEL SAIGON

NEW WORLD HOTEL SAIGON HOTEL WEBSITE MAP LOCATION

New World Saigon Hotel is ideally situated in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, amidst a bustling neighborhood of restaurants and entertainment venues, within walking distance to markets, museums, and places of cultural interest. The hotel is located 20 minutes away from Tan Son Nhat International Airport.

ADDRESS: 76 Lê Lai, Phường Bến Thành, Quận 1, HCMC. PHONE: +84 28 3822 8888

ACCOMMODATIONS

Two Room Options are available – both at SPECIAL ASAIHL CONFERENCE rate. A COUPON CODE will be added here shortly to book at the Event Rate.

  • Premier Room: VND 2,900,000++ per single room (~USD 113) and VND 3,100,000++ (~USD 121) per double room.
  • Residence Club Room: VND 3,800,000++ (~USD149) per single and double room.

(TRIPLE-Rooms are available, if such option desired by attendees)

BOOK YOUR ROOM at NEW WORLD HOTEL: 

Use THIS LINK to qualify for the ASAIHL 2025 special rate (Event Room rate code KE031225). Please note, that, due to December being the high Tourist Season in HCMC, availability at this great rate may not last. PLEASE COMPLETE THE RESERVATION PROCESS by Oct 15, 2025.  Afterward, the New World Hotel Reservation department will take care of their bookings accordingly.

ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATIONS

The New World Hotel Saigon is in the HEART of the HCMC Tourist Area (District 1). It is within 5 minutes walk from Ben Thanh Market and a wide range of hotels at multiple price points (that can be found on the various international booking sites: hotels.com, etc.)

Suggestions (prices per hotels.com. Direct to hotel or other hotel booking websites) may vary) – ALL WITHIN 15-20 minute walking distance)

USD$50-75/night

+ M City Hotel Saigon (https://mhotel.vn/property/m-city-saigon/)

+ The Palace Hotel (https://www.palacesaigon.com/)

+ Alagon D’antique Hotel & Spa (https://alagondantiquehotel.com/

+ The Hammock Hotel Fine Arts (https://thehammockhotel.com/branch/the-hammock-hotel-fine-arts-museum/)

USD$75-100

+ Hotel Continental (https://continentalsaigon.com/)

+ Winsuites Saigon (https://winsuitessaigon.com/)

+ Alagon Saigon Hotel (https://alagonsaigonhotel.com/

+ Liberty Central Hotel (https://www.libertycentralsaigoncentre.com/en/)

(PLEASE NOTE: NO bus service to venue will be provided from other hotels on Conference Days)

GET TO VIETNAM
TRAVEL INFORMATION

HCMC is served by Tan Son Nhat International Airport, likely the gateway that most will arrive. It is approx. 20-30 minutes away by taxi/transportation service from the hotel. MAP from AIRPORT to NEW WORLD HOTEL SAIGON

VIETNAM VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR ATTENDEES

Attendees will typically enter Vietnam on a tourist visa or a business visa, depending on their country of citizenship and the official nature of the invitation.

VISA-EXEMPT (NO visa required for short stays):

  • ASEAN countries (e.g., Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia) – up to 30 days
  • South Korea, Japan, Russia, Germany, France, UK, Spain, Italy, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Belarus – 15 to 45 days
  • Chile, Panama, and a few others – variable period

Needs:

  • Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond entry
  • Proof of onward travel or return ticket
  • (Suggested) Proof of accommodation (hotel reservation)

E-VISA ELIGIBLE (Valid for 90 days (effective August 2023). Multiple-Entry available)

  • Nationals from 80+ countries
    • Includes USA, Canada, Australia, India, Sri Lanka, Pakisan, Most of Europe
  • APPLICATION PROCESS

Needs:

  • Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond entry
  • Digital photo and scanned passport 
  • Invitation letter (optional but recommended for conferences). Please reach out, if such is needed, to be arranged:asaihl2025@keuka.edu
  • Proof of accommodation (hotel reservation)
  • Proof of onward travel or return ticket
The Organizer
An International Leader in Experiential Learning
KEUKA COLLEGE

A Brief History of Keuka College

Founded in 1890 by Reverend Dr. George H. Ball, Keuka College began as Keuka Institute—a coeducational preparatory school set on a picturesque yet undeveloped 157-acre site by Keuka Lake. Ball, committed to providing high-quality education regardless of one’s economic background, ensured the College embodied its founding principle of individual attention from dedicated faculty.

In 1915, the College faced significant financial challenges and suspended operations. It reopened in 1921 as Keuka College for Women under President Arthur H. Norton’s leadership, who tirelessly revived the institution through extensive outreach and fundraising. Major early campus buildings such as Ball Hall (renamed in honor of both George H. Ball and the Ball brothers), Hegeman Hall, and Richardson (later Harrington) Hall emerged during this era.

World War II marked a pivotal expansion in Keuka’s mission. The College launched a nursing cadet program to support the war effort and, in 1942, developed the innovative Field Period, a distinctive experiential learning requirement that remains central to its educational model to this day.

Keuka remained a women’s college until 1985, when declining enrollment prompted the Board of Trustees to readmit men—a decision that led to renewed growth and expansion of academic offerings, including professional degree programs in nursing, education, social work, occupational therapy, business, the humanities, and sciences.

Since the early 2000s, the College has further evolved by introducing master’s programs, online and adult-focused education, and establishing international partnerships—most notably with universities in China and Vietnam—thus broadening its reach while staying true to its founding values of accessibility, experiential learning, and service.

Mission Statement

Keuka College is dedicated to creating exemplary citizens and leaders who are prepared to serve both the nation and the world. Guided by a commitment to academic excellence, experiential learning, and a strong sense of community, the College empowers students to develop the knowledge, skills, and character needed to make a meaningful impact in their professions and communities. Through innovative programs, personal attention, and hands-on experiences like the Field Period®, Keuka College inspires students to lead with integrity, curiosity, and purpose in an ever-changing global society.

ABOUT ASAIHL
About ASAIHL

The Association of Southeast Asian Institutions of Higher Learning (ASAIHL) was founded in 1956 as a non-governmental organization at a meeting in Bangkok of the heads of eight state universities in Southeast Asia. Field Marshal Pibulsongkram, the Prime Minister, supported its foundation and approved setting up the Secretariat in Thailand. His government began by giving financial and material support, which continued for several years until the Association had other sources of funds. More recently, in addition to physical facilities, the Thai government has been supporting the Association with a grant of USD 10,000 annually.
ASAIHL’s purpose is to assist member institutions to strengthen themselves through mutual self-help and to achieve international distinction in teaching, research and public service. In so doing, the institutions contribute strength to their respective nations and to the entire region. Specifically, the Association exists to foster the development of the institutions themselves, the cultivation of a sense of regional identity and interdependence and liaison with other regional and international organizations concerned with research and teaching. It serves as a clearing-house of information; provides regular opportunities for the discussion of academic development and general university development; assists member institutions in the recruitment and placement of faculty and staff, exchanges of professors and students and in the development of co-operative arrangements on specific projects; provides advisory services of consultants; strengthens the relationship with regional and international bodies and keeps member institutions informed about developments in the region; and recognizes and acknowledges distinctive achievements among Southeast Asian institutions of higher education.

Founding Fathers

1.  Sir Nicholas Attygalle, University of Ceylon
2.  Air Marshal Muni M. Vejyant Rangshrisht, Chulalongkorn University
3.  Dr. Lindsay Ride, University of Hong Kong
4.  Prof. Bahder Djohan, University of Indonesia
5.  Sir Sydney Caine, University of Malaya
6.  Dr. Vidal A. Tan, University of the Philippines
7.  Dr. Htin Aung, University of Rangoon
8.  Prof. Nguyen-Quang-Trinh, National University of Vietnam

INTENDED IMPACT

(Member) Institutions contribute strength to their respective nations and to the entire region.

EXISTENCE/ACTIVITIES

More detail is available on the ASAIHL website , but some points are it relates to the goals of the bi-annual Conferences:

  • Foster the development of the (members)…. and liaison with other regional and international organizations concerned with research and teaching.
  • Provides opportunities for the discussion of academic development and general university development.
  • Assist member institutions in ……the development of co-operative arrangements on specific projects.