hosam wrote:
Honestly, I wouldn't use either for the INSEAD essay.
INSEAD's main focus is on international experiences. For this reason, I'd think that they'd like to hear about your experiences in a new culture - a new country among people different to those you live around and how you were able to adjust and adapt (this could be work-related obviously). What did you learn from them? How are they so different.
I'm pretty sure they don't want to hear about business cultures unless they are different due to the ethnic and traditional cultures of its people.
I would talk about your experience in Tokyo, but try to make it a little deeper than the difference in people's drinking habits.
Agree with Hosam here.
For us Indian techies, facing situation one is a no-brainer. Majority of techies from India would face a similar situation.
I personally think that you should use this essay to highlight how you beacme a well-rounded individual not only how you became a well-rounded employee.
Think about some other personal experiences in Tokyo or for that matter in India itself (remember India is a huge country) and talk about it.