Update on logistics

I thought it might be interesting to update my dear reader as to some random facts and comment on INSEAD logistics.

Diversity

In terms of diversity we are up to 70 nationalities for the class of Dec 2008. There are representatives from all the major continents. It is interesting to note that there are large number of students from North America (Canada and USA), perhaps indicating that INSEAD's profile in the US is rising?

Language Requirements

INSEAD requires you know 2 languages to get in and a basic knowledge of a third language before you exit. Also your English must be fluent as demonstrated by TOEFL or a University education in English. Presently a large chunk of "my" class are attending language courses to certify that they have reached the required level for their second language. Others are working on their third language so that they can clear the third language requirement during their first week at INSEAD. I think its fair to say a lot of people are working on their language skills.

Financing

There are a lot of scholarships available at INSEAD - most of which will help provide considerable financial help to the recipient. Some scholarships are industry specific, others region specific (e.g. Africa) and a large chunk of them are country specific. Additionally, there is a needs based scholarship fund. INSEAD is undertaking a large drive to raise funds such that they can provide more scholarships to more students, thereby ensuring that funding does not act as a barrier to entry to capable applicants/students.

The deadline for applying for scholarships was in mid September. Let us say a large number of students submitted a lot of essays and cashflow statements to try to get some additional funding.
Otherwise most people are borrowing from banks (international or domestic), parents and using up all their savings. The only (minor) complaint I, and other students, have so far against INSEAD, is that INSEAD does not have a deal with a major bank to ensure that all students are guaranteed funding. For example, something similar to the deal LBS has with HSBC.

My understanding is that this is causing the most headaches amongst us. I think those students not based in their "home" country are facing real problems in getting the funding, or having to go through multiple hoops to be granted the funding. You could argue that its just a fact of life or view it as preparation for the mad rush of challenges at INSEAD, but its something that the school may want to review. Of course the school may already be taking steps, and if so I apologise to AdCom.

Logistics

As mentioned in an earlier post, there is a large to do list involving multiple form filling and document gathering, as well as immigration and medical issues. Then there is the finding of accommodation, wiring of funds and sorting out the affairs in which ever country you are in. On top of this is the packing and trying to work out what you are going to take, then packing this and then arranging freighting it to either Fonty or Singapore. Of course given shipping times, you might be sending things without yet knowing the final destination address!?

Socialising

A fair number of the class seem to already be travelling having left their jobs. So as they travel this gives more reasons for people to get together - so there are, from a quick skim of NV (the INSEAD student intranet) currently get togethers planned for New York, Tel Aviv, Milan, London, Beijing and Kuala Lumpar. Yes, we do seem to be a bunch of networking social butterflies.


Hope this helps those applying and those who just got in (congrats Bluey).