Seven months after the debut of INSEAD's Master in Management (MIM) programme at its Europe Campus, the pioneering class is now commencing the next phase of their MIM journey at the school's Asia campus in Singapore.
On 8 March 2021, 94 students who came from 32 countries gathered in full force to continue their on-campus life for the Asian leg of the Programme. This Asian leg also marks the moment where students from this pioneering class will finally be together, in a year highly impacted by COVID.
To celebrate the hardships and resilience of this class who stayed united at all times, the 20th of March will set the stage for the MIM "Unification Day", a new tradition specially created for the MIM programme. Future MIM cohorts will celebrate every 20 March values now ingrained in this new Programme's identity: Togetherness, Resilience, Gratitude and Generosity.
The MIM programme's innovative curriculum means students have the opportunity to study across the school's campuses in France and Singapore (with optional field trips [1]to the Middle East, the USA and China), allowing them to immerse in a truly global experience alongside international classmates and faculty.
Thibault Seguret, Programme Director of the Master in Management Programme at INSEAD, says, "This historic moment – where our inaugural batch of MIM students first step foot onto our Asia Campus – is made possible thanks to the outstanding work and commitment of our colleagues at Degree Programmes and Campus Services Operations, our Crisis Management Team, our faculty, and the INSEAD community at large. They have been an unstoppable force behind the scenes, working tirelessly with multiple parties, including students, government agencies and immigration authorities, to achieve the incredible feat of a smooth and seamless transfer for these students from France to Singapore. Most importantly, our students have demonstrated remarkable agility and resilience, undeniable talent and courage. The MIM class rose to the occasion to show that they were perfectly aligned with what INSEAD is and stands for."
On 8 March, 94 MIM students from 32 countries gathered at INSEAD Asia Campus in Singapore.
The INSEAD MIM programme’s innovative curriculum enables students to study across the school’s campuses in France and Singapore.
Going "online" has become the new normal for many schools due to the global pandemic. INSEAD has maintained in-person instruction in line with stringent health and safety measures; while moving to a hybrid model when required.
Since the Programme began, more than 70% of the MIM classes have been conducted face-to-face, a considerable achievement considering the circumstances. When classes were held on-campus, students who had to stay at home could connect directly to the classroom to engage with the professor or their peers sitting in the room.
Katy Montgomery, Associate Dean of Degree Programmes at INSEAD, comments, “When we welcomed the inaugural cohort of our MIM students at the height of the pandemic last year, we had to adapt rapidly to how we conduct classes in-person and via Zoom, and how group sessions and project work will take place. At the same time, we strived to provide regular check-ins with the students concerning their psychological health. We are proud to have achieved so much in such little time. The learning curve has been steep, but the team has met all challenges and exceeded all expectations, underlining our commitment to offer a world-class, transformative MIM experience."
Students' testimonials
The stories told by this pioneering cohort illustrate how they managed to make the best out of a difficult situation, facing adversity and uncertainty to learn, endure, and grow.
Alexander ACHBA – MIM'21 (Russian)
"It has been a long journey between starting classes on Zoom in August and finally being able to see everyone during the Unification Day in March. In the first couple of months, I could not get a French visa due to a succession of COVID-imposed legal complications. I was Zooming in classes held on campus and included virtually in the class discussions. I eventually got my Visa, but France issued a national lockdown before I could fly, which further delayed my arrival. A couple of months later, I was getting ready to get on my flight to Paris when I got attacked and bitten by a rabid dog, further forcing me to postpone my travel. After a little less than seven months of online classes and what seems to be the unlikeliest of reasons, I am in a bit of disbelief that I will finally get to meet all of my peers and professors in person and see the whole class come together. Throughout this journey full of setbacks and changes, I was amazed by the sense of community at INSEAD. At no point in time did I ever feel alone or isolated, largely due to the overwhelming amount of support I have received from the faculty members and especially my peers. I have learned that no matter what you expect or project, sudden changes can happen – and eventually things will work out – The key is to stay in the moment, and make the best out of it. "
MU Yutong – MIM’ 21 (Chinese)
“l still remember the time struggling to go France last summer: visa, plane ticket, accommodation, all arranged during the peak of COVID. Luckily I arrived in Fontainebleau successfully, and I learned to be optimistic: everything will be fine, just give life itself some time. I grabbed the tail of the summer, enjoyed great time on and off campus with my classmates. Later we had the national lockdown, courses had to be conducted online. I hesitated a lot whether to go back home, again I decided to give life a shot, tried hard to take good care of myself (weekly PCR tests definitely helped!). My best memory for now is P2 practical period, in December, I was amazed that we could be back on campus this early, and learned that our global campus services directors volunteered to deliver foods for us since there was no canteen service. ‘At INSEAD, we make things happen’, they said – a statement I feel is equally true for INSEAD staff, faculty and students. Now being able to go Singapore (with a much smoother transfer thanks to superwoman Cindy), I am super grateful and excited. A brand new environment to explore, adapt, grow; together with my classmates we are going to create the memory lasts for lifelong time. Looking forward to it! ”
Harry SIATOUNIS – MIM'21 (Greek)
“So far the INSEAD MIM journey has been exceptional, despite all the difficulties. We started with in-person classes in France and now we are continuing in Singapore after a hybrid period of both in-person and Zoom classes. This experience has rendered the whole class very resilient and adaptive, able to switch environments very quickly, something which will prepare us for our future careers. The visa application for Singapore was fully supported by the INSEAD faculty and was a very efficient process, allowing me to program ahead my flight and accommodation. I have managed to connect strongly with the whole class and at the same time forge friendships with some exceptional people who I wouldn’t have met, had it not been for the INSEAD MIM. The community in INSEAD is very inclusive and it is something that was imbued to us since the Welcome Week. We operate as one, be it in social activities or feedback sessions, which is something unique to my experience so far. Our alumni have been very supportive and responsive to our class, which enables our career search. Finally, I believe that the INSEAD MIM is a very rewarding experience and one which I will cherish for the rest of my life. “
Sonali GOBIN – MIM’21 (Mauritian)
“The start of the MIM program was a tough one for me because I had to start online due to COVID delaying my visa application. I remember waking up at 4 am (EST time) in order to take part in first week activities but I am very grateful for my period group (thank you pandas) for making me feel part of the MIM ever since the first day. Despite the time difference and not having met them in person, they did their best to help me out and support me through it all. After five weeks of online classes with 7 hours difference, I managed to join the MIM class in Fontainebleau and while I was a bit apprehensive about making new friends, every single one of my classmates was welcoming and made me feel at ease right away. Those 6 months spent in France flew by so fast (INSEAD style) and suddenly we all found ourselves ditching our coats and gloves for shorts and swimming suits. Even if we had to serve our 14 day quarantine, the “lucky” ones who were exempt from it would go out of their way to bring us goodies and notes to make our quarantine experience better. I think this goes back to one of the pillars of the MIM class at INSEAD which is togetherness. I am grateful for all the lovely people I have met and the overwhelming support I get and I am looking forward to creating more memories with them in Singapore!”
[1] Due to the COVID-19 crisis, these study trips are taking place in a virtual setting in the first year.
