At a Glance
Student life at the INSEAD Summer School
Follow the student journey through the INSEAD Summer School, from discovering Fontainebleau to collaborating on exciting projects and making lifelong friends. This video captures it all – a summer of learning, fun and unforgettable memories.
A typical day at the INSEAD Summer School
The programme combines academic sessions, experiential learning, evening talks and social activities on and off campus. Timings vary throughout the two weeks, but the schedule below reflects a typical weekday.
Key points about the programme
- Core academic sessions take place in INSEAD amphitheatres. Selected evenings include talks such as Leading from the Cockpit.
- Evening sessions complement the core curriculum and cover topics such as sustainable careers, the MIM programme and venture presentations with INSEAD alumni.
- After dinner, students have free time or can take part in scheduled activities, including the Talent Show.
- The weekend includes a free day, a visit to the Château de Fontainebleau and a Sports Day.
- During the first week, students take part in a full-day outdoor team-building experience at the Château de Courances.
- During the second week, students develop Your First Hundred Days across several sessions. The final day includes presentation and ceremony preparation, the closing ceremony and a cocktail reception and BBQ.
Typical weekday schedule
8:45–9:00 am
9:00 am–12:30 pm
12:30–1:30 pm
1:30–5:00 pm
5:00–6:00 pm
6:00–7:30 pm
7:30–8:30 pm
8:30–10:30 pm
*Timings and activities vary throughout the two weeks. The schedule above reflects a typical weekday on campus.
Extracurricular activities
The programme extends well beyond the classroom, with enriching experiences around Fontainebleau, from outdoor adventures and sports to cultural discoveries and social evenings.
- Château de Fontainebleau
- Forest team-building
- Hiking & cycling
- Cafés & culture
- Sports & games
- Fitness centre
- Local excursions
From hiking and cycling to fitness, social outings and cultural experiences, there is always something to look forward to and plenty of moments to bond with your fellow students.
Facilities on the INSEAD Europe Campus
The INSEAD Europe Campus in Fontainebleau offers facilities for focused learning and student life, including lecture theatres, study and breakout spaces, dining facilities, a library, a bookshop, a fully equipped gym and on-campus accommodation. You can also explore the INSEAD Europe Campus to learn more about its facilities, setting and history. If you would like to stay on campus, visit the Hotel Ermitage page to explore the accommodation and make a reservation.
29 lecture theatres
State-of-the-art theatres, smaller classrooms, study areas and breakout spaces.
Dining & café
A vibrant restaurant and café with a variety of dining options.
Library & bookshop
A wealth of resources plus study materials and leisure reads.
Fully equipped gym
A great space to stay active and energised, with access to sporting areas subject to opening hours and availability.
4-star Hotel Ermitage
Comfortable accommodation at the heart of campus, offering a welcoming place to stay.
Common areas
Access to educational and common spaces across the Europe Campus, subject to opening hours and badge-access conditions.
INSEAD Summer School practical information
Use the packing checklist before you travel, then review the key programme rules, arrival information and practical notes for your time on the Europe Campus in Fontainebleau.
Packing checklist 4 items
Rules for participants 2 items
Respectful behaviour. All participants are expected to follow the code of conduct and help create a positive, respectful and inclusive environment throughout the programme.
Attendance. Participants are expected to remain for the full duration of the programme and take part in all scheduled classes, teamwork, company visits, meals and cultural and social activities. A scheduled activity may be missed only in exceptional circumstances and with prior approval from the Summer School leadership team.
On arrival day 4 items
Day before. Plan to arrive the day before classes start.
Residence check-in. If you are staying at INSEAD, please follow the check-in time provided in your arrival information.
By . Participants staying in INSEAD accommodation should be checked in at the INSEAD residences. Members of the Summer School team will be available to help you settle into your room and meet other students.
, compulsory. The Summer School team will address all participants and attendance is required.
Throughout the programme 3 items
Wear your lanyard at all times. Your lanyard carries your room key and badge.
Bring your personal nameplate to every class. Keep it with you throughout the programme and place it visibly on your desk during each class.
Check the residence message board. It is used to notify participants about important activities and updates.
Additional practical information 7 items
Getting to campus. Participants are responsible for arranging their own travel to and from Fontainebleau. Visit the INSEAD Europe Campus page for directions and transport options, shuttle information, parking, the campus map, accessibility, accommodation and campus facilities.
Wi-Fi access. Wi-Fi is available across the campus and in INSEAD accommodation.
Computers on site. Available in all breakout rooms.
Support and mentorship. The Summer School team, faculty members and alumni mentors support participants throughout the programme.
Campus security. The Europe Campus has controlled access and round-the-clock security. INSEAD reception is available during working hours, and the Hotel Ermitage service desk is open 24 hours a day.
Lost keys or badges. A lost room key or campus badge must be reported immediately to the Hotel Ermitage service desk or the Summer School team. A €50 replacement fee applies.
How it ends. The programme ends after the final presentations and Closing Ceremony. Detailed departure information is shared with students before the end of the programme.
What our students say
Alexis Ramos Alvarado
Nawaf Al Zughaibi
Diane Lanson
Ready to start?
Take the next step towards an immersive summer at INSEAD. Download the brochure or contact us to find out whether the programme is right for you.
