![\"INSEAD](\"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/INSEAD-Criterion-2-International-Motivation.jpg\")
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This is the second post in a 4-part series<\/a> that examines INSEAD MBA\u2019s 4 admission criteria.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n Sure, international experience is a big plus for an INSEAD applicant. But the website says that they seek candidates with international motivation<\/em><\/a> which, in their eyes, means having \u201cperceptive insights into the complexities of business in an international setting.\u201d It also involves \u201cadaptability and flexibility in multicultural environments\u201d \u2013 which you can hardly achieve without some insight, so these elements naturally interconnect. The final component of international motivation is goals that have a global dimension.<\/p>\n So, meeting this criterion involves more than working in multiple countries, continents, or galaxies. \u201cInternational\u201d should be an element of focus, reflection, and growth.<\/p>\n What if you don\u2019t have international experience? You can still possess international motivation if you\u2019ve had global exposure<\/em> (an example might be leading or serving on a virtual global team). It can even be in non-work form. (If you\u2019ve had neither global experience nor global exposure, INSEAD might not be the school for you\u2026)<\/p>\n To summarize, the three key elements sought by the adcom<\/a> \u2013 whether you have global experience, global exposure, or both \u2013 under this criterion are:<\/p>\n \u2022 \u201cPerceptive insights\u201d about international business<\/p>\n \u2022 Adaptability across cultures<\/p>\n \u2022 Global goals<\/p>\n What does that mean for you?<\/strong><\/p>\n Global experience and\/or global exposure is simply a qualifying point<\/em>. To make yourself shine<\/strong> among INSEAD applicants<\/a>, go further. Offer vivid, thoughtful, sharp insights<\/em> from your experiences. Those insights don\u2019t have to be cosmic in scale. They do have to address \u201ccomplexities of business in an international setting\u201d in some way, shape, or form. Your insights should show that you are thoughtful, synthesize your experience and distill meaning from it, and are open to learning as you grow professionally.<\/p>\n Also, through example and anecdote<\/a>, demonstrate your ability to adapt across cultures \u2013 and beware the pitfall of using stereotypes when doing so (the Japanese are indirect, the Israelis are blunt, the Indians are culturally conservative) \u2013 hint: stop when you find yourself saying \u201cthe<\/em> French,\u201d \u201cthe<\/em> Chinese,\u201d \u201cthe<\/em> Saudis.\u201d Very likely a simplistic stereotype is about to burst forth.<\/p>\n Here are some specific ways to incorporate this criterion into your application:<\/p>\n \u2022 If you DO have international work experience, present anecdotes and examples from it in your essays<\/a>, make sure to portray your cultural adaptability and flexibility, and include insight you gained from this experience.<\/p>\n \u2022 If you DO NOT have international work experience, make certain to detail your international exposure<\/em>, include insights gained, and show how this exposure involved your cultural flexibility.<\/p>\n \u2022 In the goals discussion, of course mention the global aspect, but go one step further, e.g., not just \u201cbecome CIO of global pharma company\u201d but add details about what that global aspect really entails for pharma, what are the specific global-related challenges and\/or opportunities in the future, etc. Show awareness of global trends for your target industry, function, etc.<\/p>\n \u2022 Make sure your resume maximizes global-related experience.<\/p>\n \u2022 Go into the interview<\/a> with (a) a good grasp of current economic and geopolitical realities to add context for anecdotes and discussion points when possible, (b) a fresh recollection of your global experiences (professional and personal), and (c) thorough understanding of INSEAD\u2019s global culture and how you fit into it.<\/p>\n \u2022 INSEAD includes its language requirements within its discussion of international motivation, so when you describe actual cross-cultural interactions (in essays and\/or interview), if relevant include language component.<\/p>\n I am always thrilled when I get an \u201cI\u2019m in at INSEAD!\u201d email. I welcome the chance to help you show you belong at INSEAD<\/a> and receive such an email from you in the future.<\/p>\n Looking for more INSEAD info? Register for our upcoming webinar,\u00a0Get Accepted to INSEAD<\/i><\/a>, airing live on February 7, 2018. For personalized assistance that will help you get accepted to INSEAD, check out our MBA Application Packages<\/a>.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Related Resources:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2022\u00a0Get Into INSEAD, the International Business School [Podcast Episode]<\/a>![\"Get](\"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Get-Accepted-to-Insead-Live-Webinar.png\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Cindy](\"https:\/\/blog.accepted.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/12\/cindy.jpg\" "\\"Cindy")
<\/a><\/em>Cindy Tokumitsu<\/a>\u00a0has advised hundreds of successful applicants, helping them gain acceptance to top MBA and EMBA programs in her 15+ years with Accepted. She would love to help you too.\u00a0Want Cindy to help you get Accepted? Click here to get in touch!<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n
\n\u2022\u00a0INSEAD September 2017 Intake MBA Essay Tips & Deadlines<\/a>
\n\u2022\u00a0Financing Your INSEAD MBA<\/a><\/p>\n