For the last couple of years, Prodigy Finance has been conducting a pilot loan programme with INSEAD. Now, after the successful pilot, the company has opened applications to all accepted INSEAD students.
Prodigy Finance was started by three INSEAD alumni in 2006 to solve the problem experienced by many international MBAs in funding their education. Their innovative model is based on community funding – individual alumni fund MBAs. The alumni receive a commercial return on their funds and MBAs are able to fund their loan requirements in a community-friendly way. So far they have funded around 180 students at INSEAD and are now scaling this up to cover the whole class. Funding per class is limited though so they cannot guarantee meeting every request.
You can read further details about the Prodigy INSEAD loan programme at http://www.prodigyfinance.com/web/Insead.aspx?l1=40&l2=10 but the key points are:
The interest rate varies based on each application (many factors go into this decision including the amount of credit information available in the applicant’s home country). Their current average APR is 7.5%.
An application fee of 1.25% is charged by Prodigy ONLY on successful applications.
Maximum loan size is capped at tuition, although loans will be resized based on the applicant’s individual profile. Current average loan size is €30 000.
If you wish to apply for a loan, you can go directly to www.prodigyfinance.com.
24 May 2010
04 February 2010
Recruiting 2010
The New Year arrived over a month ago and I have been on campus in Singapore drafting my schedule and planning events. While on campus I was able to help welcome a new class, the fourth promotion to begin during my tenure here at the school. The first few days are always exciting - over two hundred students started on the Singapore campus this January, and they are now deep into a hectic P1.
To highlight some of the recent campus activity, in January, we had the pleasure of welcoming both Dominic Barton (Worldwide Managing Director, McKinsey & Company) and Alexander Cummings (Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, The Coca-Cola Company) onto our Asia Campus, in Singapore, for two evenings of guest lectures. These events, attended by MBA students and Alumni were part of the Global Leader Series (GLS) and followed a similar event in Fontainebleau last December, where Sir Win Bischoff spoke. Sir Bischoff is the Chairman of Lloyds Banking Group PLC and is the former Chairman of Citigroup.
GLS events like these are coordinated by the student body with the support of INSEAD. The interactive and informal format is designed to encourage all participants to engage in discussion and to challenge the speaker; giving MBA students the opportunity to explore what it takes to become a successful leader. There are plenty more lined up and GLS events are always something to look forward to on campus here at INSEAD.
Hopefully, some of you will meet me on the road in the near future. There are no MBA fairs in Asia-Pacific at this time so I will supplement with my own activities - Information Sessions and what we call Master Classes, which are an opportunity for us to share with you what a class might feel like at INSEAD. In Shanghai and Hong Kong, I will be joined by Professor Claudia Zeisberger, Affiliate Professor of Decision Sciences and Academic Co-Director of the Global INSEAD Private Equity Initiative.
I will also be in Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Beijing and Taipei – dates are posted here: http://mba.insead.edu/form/mba_events.cfm. For those based in Australia; I will be there too. Dates still to be confirmed but stay tuned!
To highlight some of the recent campus activity, in January, we had the pleasure of welcoming both Dominic Barton (Worldwide Managing Director, McKinsey & Company) and Alexander Cummings (Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, The Coca-Cola Company) onto our Asia Campus, in Singapore, for two evenings of guest lectures. These events, attended by MBA students and Alumni were part of the Global Leader Series (GLS) and followed a similar event in Fontainebleau last December, where Sir Win Bischoff spoke. Sir Bischoff is the Chairman of Lloyds Banking Group PLC and is the former Chairman of Citigroup.
GLS events like these are coordinated by the student body with the support of INSEAD. The interactive and informal format is designed to encourage all participants to engage in discussion and to challenge the speaker; giving MBA students the opportunity to explore what it takes to become a successful leader. There are plenty more lined up and GLS events are always something to look forward to on campus here at INSEAD.
Hopefully, some of you will meet me on the road in the near future. There are no MBA fairs in Asia-Pacific at this time so I will supplement with my own activities - Information Sessions and what we call Master Classes, which are an opportunity for us to share with you what a class might feel like at INSEAD. In Shanghai and Hong Kong, I will be joined by Professor Claudia Zeisberger, Affiliate Professor of Decision Sciences and Academic Co-Director of the Global INSEAD Private Equity Initiative.
I will also be in Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Beijing and Taipei – dates are posted here: http://mba.insead.edu/form/mba_events.cfm. For those based in Australia; I will be there too. Dates still to be confirmed but stay tuned!
17 January 2010
The INSEAD MBA Language Policy in Five Easy Steps
I thought you had to speak french to go to INSEAD?
I heard you needed to be fluent in three languages to apply?
I'm from China, Mandarin is my native language, but I've been living and working in London for the last 4 years - I don't need to take the TOEFL, right?
What do all of the questions above have in common? The answer to all of them is 'no'.
Of all of the aspects of the INSEAD MBA admissions policy, I find that I get the most questions, and face the most incorrect assumptions, about our language policy.
There's a lot of misinformation circling around there, on MBA forums, and blogs and the like. Of course, you can get the full scope in our Language Policy document, which you download online. But, its a long document, so I thought summarise the all of the main points in a sort of beginners guide.
Those of you who are registered to receive our newsletter will see this article in our next issue, but since I know a lot of you are working to meet Sept R 3 / Jan R 1 deadlines, I thought I'd give you an advanced preview. And, by the way, if you don't already receive our newsletter and you'd like to, just join our mailing list)
And, now, without further ado...Here it is:
The INSEAD Language Policy in Five Easy Steps…
At INSEAD we believe strongly in the importance of an international outlook and ability to work effectively in multiple cultures. Language and communication skills will be an important part of your international effectiveness, therefore we require participants to demonstrate proficiency in at least two languages (including fluent English) at the time they apply and to attain at least a basic knowledge of a third language before graduating. For full details and information on how to certify particular languages, everyone should review the complete language policy. An introduction to the basics is covered below:
Step 1: Your Native Language – You can declare one native language for which we don’t ask you to provide proof of certification. Some participants grew up speaking two or more languages and are multi-lingual at the time they apply. However, even if you speak more than one language fluently, you must declare one as your native language, and provide proof of proficiency in the other.
Step 2: If English is not Your Native Language – If English is not your native language, then you must provide proof of your fluency in English at the time you apply. This can be done in one of two ways: Achieving and submitting at least a minimum required score on one of our approved English Language tests (see full list in the language policy), or a full university degree (undergraduate or postgraduate) conducted exclusively in English. Participating in an exchange programme and/or living and working in an English speaking country is not sufficient proof.
Step 3: If English is Your Native Language – If English is your native language, you will need to provide proof of your practical knowledge of a second language before the start of the MBA Programme. You should be able communicate (read, write and speak) comfortably on every day matters (work, school and hobbies). There are multiple ways to prove proficiency in your second language. Face-to-face written and oral tests are offered in several languages at our partner language schools in either Fontainebleau or Singapore. We also accept certificates from many state-recognised cultural and commercial bodies, university majors, and final secondary school exams. Whatever means you choose, we encourage you to provide acceptable certification as soon as possible. Final deadlines are 1 June for the September intake and 1 November for the January intake.
Step 4: Your Exit Language – Before you graduate, you will need to certify a basic knowledge in a third, commercially useful language. This means you should be able to communicate comfortably in a simple and direct exchange. This is a graduation requirement. Consequently, INSEAD partners with language schools on both campuses. You can also take a language test at any recognised language school in the world.
Step 5: A word about French (and other acceptable languages): French is not mandatory, as either a first, second or third language. All official native languages are recognised by INSEAD.
Acceptable languages include all those which are commercially useful and officially recognised by a country (for full details and information, please review the complete language policy).
I heard you needed to be fluent in three languages to apply?
I'm from China, Mandarin is my native language, but I've been living and working in London for the last 4 years - I don't need to take the TOEFL, right?
What do all of the questions above have in common? The answer to all of them is 'no'.
Of all of the aspects of the INSEAD MBA admissions policy, I find that I get the most questions, and face the most incorrect assumptions, about our language policy.
There's a lot of misinformation circling around there, on MBA forums, and blogs and the like. Of course, you can get the full scope in our Language Policy document, which you download online. But, its a long document, so I thought summarise the all of the main points in a sort of beginners guide.
Those of you who are registered to receive our newsletter will see this article in our next issue, but since I know a lot of you are working to meet Sept R 3 / Jan R 1 deadlines, I thought I'd give you an advanced preview. And, by the way, if you don't already receive our newsletter and you'd like to, just join our mailing list)
And, now, without further ado...Here it is:
The INSEAD Language Policy in Five Easy Steps…
At INSEAD we believe strongly in the importance of an international outlook and ability to work effectively in multiple cultures. Language and communication skills will be an important part of your international effectiveness, therefore we require participants to demonstrate proficiency in at least two languages (including fluent English) at the time they apply and to attain at least a basic knowledge of a third language before graduating. For full details and information on how to certify particular languages, everyone should review the complete language policy. An introduction to the basics is covered below:
Step 1: Your Native Language – You can declare one native language for which we don’t ask you to provide proof of certification. Some participants grew up speaking two or more languages and are multi-lingual at the time they apply. However, even if you speak more than one language fluently, you must declare one as your native language, and provide proof of proficiency in the other.
Step 2: If English is not Your Native Language – If English is not your native language, then you must provide proof of your fluency in English at the time you apply. This can be done in one of two ways: Achieving and submitting at least a minimum required score on one of our approved English Language tests (see full list in the language policy), or a full university degree (undergraduate or postgraduate) conducted exclusively in English. Participating in an exchange programme and/or living and working in an English speaking country is not sufficient proof.
Step 3: If English is Your Native Language – If English is your native language, you will need to provide proof of your practical knowledge of a second language before the start of the MBA Programme. You should be able communicate (read, write and speak) comfortably on every day matters (work, school and hobbies). There are multiple ways to prove proficiency in your second language. Face-to-face written and oral tests are offered in several languages at our partner language schools in either Fontainebleau or Singapore. We also accept certificates from many state-recognised cultural and commercial bodies, university majors, and final secondary school exams. Whatever means you choose, we encourage you to provide acceptable certification as soon as possible. Final deadlines are 1 June for the September intake and 1 November for the January intake.
Step 4: Your Exit Language – Before you graduate, you will need to certify a basic knowledge in a third, commercially useful language. This means you should be able to communicate comfortably in a simple and direct exchange. This is a graduation requirement. Consequently, INSEAD partners with language schools on both campuses. You can also take a language test at any recognised language school in the world.
Step 5: A word about French (and other acceptable languages): French is not mandatory, as either a first, second or third language. All official native languages are recognised by INSEAD.
Acceptable languages include all those which are commercially useful and officially recognised by a country (for full details and information, please review the complete language policy).
17 November 2009
The New INSEAD MBA Website is Live!
Among all of the many great questions I get asked at Information Sessions and other INSEAD events, there is one question that I get in pretty much every city, and at pretty much every event. Sometimes it’s asked to me, sometimes to the alumni, sometimes both. And there are variants on it, but it’s almost always asked, and it always goes something like this:
“You’ve said a lot of great things about INSEAD today. Can you tell us one thing you’d like to change or improve?”
It’s a great question – and valid – because every person, place and thing has strengths and weaknesses. And until a couple of weeks ago, I had a good answer:
“If I improve one thing,” I would always respond, “it would be our MBA website”.
Now, don’t get me wrong. Our website has always been the best first (and sometimes second and third) source of information for anyone interested in learning more about the INSEAD MBA, no matter where they are in their process. Many on the MBA team have worked hard over the years to keep content relevant, interesting and dense – and they’ve done, and continue to do, a great job. But I think all of us on the team will admit that when it came to visuals and user-friendliness, there were better examples out there. Our brochures have been beautiful for years (if I do say so myself) but our website needed some work.
So, while my answer was an honest one, it looks like I’m going to have to think of another reply. Because – again, if I do say so myself – our website has just gotten good. Not just good. Really good. I don’t want to be accused of plugging my own work or taking credit where it is not due, so I don’t mind telling you that I had absolutely nothing to do with the revamp. But my hat goes off to our Associate Director, Gopika Spaenle, and the design team she worked with, who have delivered us a virtual ‘home’ that we can be proud of, and which I know you will enjoy visiting. In addition to an entirely new look and feel, they’ve also added a number of really cool and really useful features. Here are a few of my favorites:
- The Typical Day
You’ve probably heard about how intense INSEAD is, and that our students spend almost the same number of hours in class over their 10 months at INSEAD as their peers do over 2 years on other MBA programmes. Are you trying to get your head around what your typical day will look like at INSEAD, and how you’ll fit in really important things like lunch, socialising, and sleep? Now you can check out a couple of sample schedules based on actual student activity at different points in the programme.
- The Video Vault
If you prefer pictures to words, I recommend the new Video Vault, where you’ll not only find our official “Introduction to the INSEAD MBA”, but also several student-produced videos providing a glimpse into student life and social activities on both campuses.
- Key Facts
If you’re pressed for time and just want the highlights, click on the ‘Key Facts’ tab at the top of the home page. There you’ll be able to scroll through 16 quick slides, covering everything from course offerings, class composition, career services, and the INSEAD alumni network – all in 20 words or less.
Of course, these are just the beginning. Check out the new site for yourself and let us know what you think. While you’re doing that, I’ll be working on thinking up a new answer to that question. I’d better hurry – it's bound to be asked in just a few hours at our Information Session in San Francisco tonight.
“You’ve said a lot of great things about INSEAD today. Can you tell us one thing you’d like to change or improve?”
It’s a great question – and valid – because every person, place and thing has strengths and weaknesses. And until a couple of weeks ago, I had a good answer:
“If I improve one thing,” I would always respond, “it would be our MBA website”.
Now, don’t get me wrong. Our website has always been the best first (and sometimes second and third) source of information for anyone interested in learning more about the INSEAD MBA, no matter where they are in their process. Many on the MBA team have worked hard over the years to keep content relevant, interesting and dense – and they’ve done, and continue to do, a great job. But I think all of us on the team will admit that when it came to visuals and user-friendliness, there were better examples out there. Our brochures have been beautiful for years (if I do say so myself) but our website needed some work.
So, while my answer was an honest one, it looks like I’m going to have to think of another reply. Because – again, if I do say so myself – our website has just gotten good. Not just good. Really good. I don’t want to be accused of plugging my own work or taking credit where it is not due, so I don’t mind telling you that I had absolutely nothing to do with the revamp. But my hat goes off to our Associate Director, Gopika Spaenle, and the design team she worked with, who have delivered us a virtual ‘home’ that we can be proud of, and which I know you will enjoy visiting. In addition to an entirely new look and feel, they’ve also added a number of really cool and really useful features. Here are a few of my favorites:
- The Typical Day
You’ve probably heard about how intense INSEAD is, and that our students spend almost the same number of hours in class over their 10 months at INSEAD as their peers do over 2 years on other MBA programmes. Are you trying to get your head around what your typical day will look like at INSEAD, and how you’ll fit in really important things like lunch, socialising, and sleep? Now you can check out a couple of sample schedules based on actual student activity at different points in the programme.
- The Video Vault
If you prefer pictures to words, I recommend the new Video Vault, where you’ll not only find our official “Introduction to the INSEAD MBA”, but also several student-produced videos providing a glimpse into student life and social activities on both campuses.
- Key Facts
If you’re pressed for time and just want the highlights, click on the ‘Key Facts’ tab at the top of the home page. There you’ll be able to scroll through 16 quick slides, covering everything from course offerings, class composition, career services, and the INSEAD alumni network – all in 20 words or less.
Of course, these are just the beginning. Check out the new site for yourself and let us know what you think. While you’re doing that, I’ll be working on thinking up a new answer to that question. I’d better hurry – it's bound to be asked in just a few hours at our Information Session in San Francisco tonight.
29 October 2009
Why I chose INSEAD (from BusinessBecause.com)
Hi Everyone!
I've recently come across a great new online business magazine: BusinessBecause.com. With daily content on all things B-School, they really do cover everything: admissions, developments in the post-MBA job market, faculty and research, even insights into the MBA lifestyle at different schools.
Even though it’s new and still in the process of development, BusinessBecause has quickly become one of my favourite daily reads. I like it because the content is well-written, insightful, and - most importantly - independent. Their articles aren't slanted by school or corporate 'sponsors', and they are not in the 'rankings game' (a topic for a whole other post). In fact, I didn't even know they were covering INSEAD until I actually saw the articles online. Because of this, I think they could be a great resource for all of you out there looking for unbiased information about and insights into the MBA programmes you're considering. (And, I promise the independence works both ways: no they haven't paid me to plug their site!)
Here's an example of what I mean: they have a great series called, 'Why I Chose', where they interview current participants and alumni from various schools and ask them not only about what made them choose their MBA programme over others, but also about their experiences on the programme and if their expectations were met. I know there is a lot of information out there on various MBA Programmes (heck, I write a lot of it!) but, there really is nothing like getting the first hand perspective from people who were weighing up many of the same options you're probably weighing up now.
Early this month, they interviewed Lara Gilman, an American who just graduated from INSEAD this past June and is now working in London. Here's what she has to say about why she chose INSEAD and her year on campus: Why I Chose INSEAD: Recent grad Lara Gilman wanted to meet the world, and chose Europe over the US
I've recently come across a great new online business magazine: BusinessBecause.com. With daily content on all things B-School, they really do cover everything: admissions, developments in the post-MBA job market, faculty and research, even insights into the MBA lifestyle at different schools.
Even though it’s new and still in the process of development, BusinessBecause has quickly become one of my favourite daily reads. I like it because the content is well-written, insightful, and - most importantly - independent. Their articles aren't slanted by school or corporate 'sponsors', and they are not in the 'rankings game' (a topic for a whole other post). In fact, I didn't even know they were covering INSEAD until I actually saw the articles online. Because of this, I think they could be a great resource for all of you out there looking for unbiased information about and insights into the MBA programmes you're considering. (And, I promise the independence works both ways: no they haven't paid me to plug their site!)
Here's an example of what I mean: they have a great series called, 'Why I Chose', where they interview current participants and alumni from various schools and ask them not only about what made them choose their MBA programme over others, but also about their experiences on the programme and if their expectations were met. I know there is a lot of information out there on various MBA Programmes (heck, I write a lot of it!) but, there really is nothing like getting the first hand perspective from people who were weighing up many of the same options you're probably weighing up now.
Early this month, they interviewed Lara Gilman, an American who just graduated from INSEAD this past June and is now working in London. Here's what she has to say about why she chose INSEAD and her year on campus: Why I Chose INSEAD: Recent grad Lara Gilman wanted to meet the world, and chose Europe over the US
27 September 2009
Greetings from Bangkok!
I am sitting in a Starbucks in the Ari neighborhood reflecting on the joys of living in Asia and contemplating a move to Thailand. I’m a big city girl having relocated to Singapore from Manhattan and Bangkok does not disappoint. I love the food, the hospitality of the people, the varied nightlife and rich culture that stays with you long after you leave. In observing the backpackers and others foreigners who call Bangkok home, I am also reminded of how international Thailand has become. Sure, tourism has long been the main draw but Bangkok is a hub for global NGOs and MNCs, there is a lot of intellectual activity happening here. Similar to INSEAD, people from all over the world choose to be a part of this community and seem very happy with their choice! However, since it is unlikely that INSEAD would be so accommodating and relocate me a second time, I’ll be staying put in Singapore.
Today marks the end of the first trip of a busy season ahead. Earlier this month I traveled to Tokyo, Seoul, Shanghai, Taipei and Bangkok. In Tokyo I enjoyed too much Manju, in Seoul the BBQ. In Shanghai hunted for art on Tai Kang Lu and in Taipei participated in karaoke at Holiday KTV. I have come to realize that karaoke is not my forte. Luckily, that doesn’t seem to be an issue in Asia as actually being good at karaoke is not required!
While traveling I met several hundred prospective MBA students all whom have the potential to be admitted to an MBA programme. The curious nature of their questions, variety of their experiences and overall familiarity with INSEAD and other schools reminded me of the ever present burgeoning talent in the market. Of course, the attentive prospects on the road are indicative of a competitive year ahead but what I hope to see from prospective students this year is a confident approach to the application process.
A word of advice: stop thinking about how you measure up by a certain set of data points (i.e. GMAT, years works experience, age) and start thinking about your individual goals and what is important to you. Simply put, spend time on your essays and tell us your story, you are all unique individuals so make sure that schools know what you have to offer.
For those of you in Asia, I will be traveling for the next several months. I am more than happy to answer your questions and share with you my knowledge of the INSEAD MBA programme. Please come see me this November on the QS World MBA Tour – www.topmba.com. Other events will be continuously updated and posted here: http://www.insead.edu/mba/meet_us/form/Offcampusevents.cfm
Today marks the end of the first trip of a busy season ahead. Earlier this month I traveled to Tokyo, Seoul, Shanghai, Taipei and Bangkok. In Tokyo I enjoyed too much Manju, in Seoul the BBQ. In Shanghai hunted for art on Tai Kang Lu and in Taipei participated in karaoke at Holiday KTV. I have come to realize that karaoke is not my forte. Luckily, that doesn’t seem to be an issue in Asia as actually being good at karaoke is not required!
While traveling I met several hundred prospective MBA students all whom have the potential to be admitted to an MBA programme. The curious nature of their questions, variety of their experiences and overall familiarity with INSEAD and other schools reminded me of the ever present burgeoning talent in the market. Of course, the attentive prospects on the road are indicative of a competitive year ahead but what I hope to see from prospective students this year is a confident approach to the application process.
A word of advice: stop thinking about how you measure up by a certain set of data points (i.e. GMAT, years works experience, age) and start thinking about your individual goals and what is important to you. Simply put, spend time on your essays and tell us your story, you are all unique individuals so make sure that schools know what you have to offer.
For those of you in Asia, I will be traveling for the next several months. I am more than happy to answer your questions and share with you my knowledge of the INSEAD MBA programme. Please come see me this November on the QS World MBA Tour – www.topmba.com. Other events will be continuously updated and posted here: http://www.insead.edu/mba/meet_us/form/Offcampusevents.cfm
22 September 2009
2009 - 2010 Recruiting Season Has Begun!
It's hard to believe that our summer break is already over, but it's true. And that can mean only one thing: we're already back on the road! I've spent the last three weeks in South America (where, of course, they're still looking forward to summer), and my colleagues in Asia and Europe have been just as busy. We've already confirmed more than 50 events for our fall recruiting season, and we're launching more every week. Take a look and register for an event near you at:
www.insead.edu/mba/offevents.
Hope to see you soon!
www.insead.edu/mba/offevents.
Hope to see you soon!
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