International exposure section

Question

INSEAD has a section on international exposure wherein one can add 'Activity' which includes project assignment remotely - does that mean, as an MBB consultant, if I was working on an international project remotely, I would be able to add that experience in this section?

I did not travel for it but worked for an international client with an international team.

I did not travel for it but worked for an international client with an international team.

MBAandBeyond · Answer

Yes, you can absolutely include your experience working on an international project remotely in INSEAD’s "International Exposure" section. While direct travel is a strong indicator of global exposure, INSEAD also values cross-border collaboration, cultural adaptability, and working in international teams, especially in a remote-first world. Since you engaged with an international client and worked alongside a global team, this experience aligns with what INSEAD is looking for. Be sure to highlight how you navigated cultural differences, managed cross-regional stakeholders, and adapted to global business dynamics to make your case stronger.

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admitStreet · Answer

A common misconception that applicants have is that international exposure only includes in-person/ physical presence in a foreign country. While that would be great, it can also include

(A) working with international teams/ clients remotely
(B) travel, whether it's professional (e.g. conferences, training, projects) or personal
(C) extracurriculars where you interact with people abroad e.g. AIESEC

The key is to showcase your interactions with people from varied backgrounds (nationalities, functions, work-ex, etc.), and how you grew as a person. This is something that INSEAD values.

Hope this helps.

Regards,
Arvind
Founder, admitStreet | Request a free profile evaluation
W: https://admitstreet.com | E: consultingteam@admitstreet.com | LinkedIn

kbkush12

INSEAD has a section on international exposure wherein one can add 'Activity' which includes project assignment remotely - does that mean, as an MBB consultant, if I was working on an international project remotely, I would be able to add that experience in this section?

I did not travel for it but worked for an international client with an international team.

MBAandBeyond · Answer

Leveraging Your International Experience
  
 Why International Experience Matters at INSEAD
 
INSEAD isn’t just looking for students who have traveled widely, the school values applicants who have truly engaged with different cultures, adapted to new environments, and developed a global mindset. Your international exposure is more than a bullet point on your resume, it’s a testament to your ability to thrive in a diverse, fast-paced world.  But how do you ensure your experiences leave a lasting impact on the admissions committee?

What Counts as International Experience?
 
Your exposure to different cultures can take many forms. Here are key experiences that can set you apart:

1. Academic Immersion in a Foreign Setting
 
Studying in a different country is about more than coursework, it’s about adapting to unfamiliar academic and cultural landscapes. Whether through an exchange program or an international degree, emphasize how these experiences sharpened your adaptability and global perspective.

2. Professional Experience in a Multinational Context
 
Have you worked in a foreign country or collaborated with global teams(remote or physical)? INSEAD values candidates who can navigate complex international business environments. Highlight cross-border projects, leadership roles in diverse teams, or times when you successfully managed cultural differences in professional settings.

3. Global Impact Through Volunteering
 
International community service goes beyond just giving back, it shapes your resilience, empathy, and leadership. If you've led initiatives abroad, mentored diverse teams, or contributed to a cause in another country, illustrate the impact you made and the insights you gained.

4. Transformative Travel Experiences
 
Travel isn’t just about sightseeing, it can be a powerful way to develop cultural awareness and global sensitivity. Have you undertaken long-term immersive travel, picked up a new language, or engaged deeply with local communities? Frame these experiences as valuable personal and professional growth moments.

How to Showcase Your Global Exposure in Your Application
  
Your international experience should be a compelling narrative that ties into your broader aspirations. Here’s how to make it resonate:

1. Extract Meaningful Insights
 
Avoid listing places and roles. Instead, dive into how these experiences changed your worldview, shaped your leadership style, or enhanced your business acumen.

2. Connect to INSEAD’s Global DNA
 
INSEAD’s multicultural environment is at the heart of its identity. Demonstrate how your international experience has prepared you to contribute to classroom discussions, team projects, and global business challenges.

3. Weave in Authentic Storytelling
 
Engaging storytelling makes your application memorable. Share moments where you navigated cultural differences, led diverse teams, or overcame challenges in unfamiliar settings.

4. Emphasize Cultural Agility
 
Success in international business demands adaptability. Highlight instances where you successfully bridged cultural gaps, navigated new business norms, or thrived in dynamic, cross-border environments.

MBAGuide · Answer

kbkush12 I am an INSEAD alumna. Happy to help.

Post-COVID, when INSEAD realized that its core demographic—management consultants—got fewer and fewer opportunities to travel globally, INSEAD added many, many options that you can now pick from to showcase your level of international exposure.

If I’m being honest here, INSEAD will still prefer folks with actual immersive international exposure. And because INSEAD gets so much interest from MBB candidates, it can be choosy about who it wants to admit—someone who will still score high on the international focus criterion.

So yes, you can select the projects where you had remote engagements with the client/teams on the other side, but really, really focus on how you can hit the mark on the international focus criterion. Maybe you did get a chance to travel for some of the projects, or else make up for this through strategic story lining in the essays.

Best wishes
Aanchal Sahni (INSEAD MBA alumna, former INSEAD MBA admissions interviewer)
Founder, MBAGuideConsulting
LinkedIn|WEBSITE: https://mbaguideconsulting.com/| Message(WA): +91 9971200927| email- mbaguideconsulting@gmail.com

kbkush12

INSEAD has a section on international exposure wherein one can add 'Activity' which includes project assignment remotely - does that mean, as an MBB consultant, if I was working on an international project remotely, I would be able to add that experience in this section?

I did not travel for it but worked for an international client with an international team.

MBAandBeyond · Answer

Please feel free to take a look at this Webinar session.

ExpertsGlobal · Answer

Hi  kbkush12 ,

Yes, this can definitely be included!

All the best!

MBAandBeyond · Answer

If you’d like to learn more, our admissions consultants, including MBB professionals working across global locations, have extensive experience guiding applicants throughout the application process. We’d love to help! If you are planning to apply to some more schools in the next rounds/ intake, we’d be happy to evaluate your profile and help refine your strategy. Together, we can identify strengths, address gaps, and ensure you present your best story to your dream schools. “Join Our Exclusive Webinar!” “Bonus Offer: Get 4 schools for the price of 3 - Maximize your chances!” Limited slots available - Book your Profile Evaluation Now! Cheers! Shantanu Sharma Founder and Admissions Consultant, MBA and Beyond Email: valuecreation@mbaandbeyond.com

International exposure section

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