# KEEP IT OPEN

Welcome to the worldwide INSEAD community !

Yes, we made it. It has been a long journey. From sleepless GMAT preparations to nerve-wracking interviews, we, 17D, managed to survive. And, I think we deserve some proper celebrations.

Before dealing with major topics like 'Why INSEAD?', 'How to ace the admissions process', I would like first to post some information about pre-INSEAD events. There have been some social meet-ups around the globe, travels with new classmates (already), and of course the Welcome Day on both the Fontainebleau and Singapore campus!  

• WELCOME DAY: A typical rainy day in Singapore looked very much different when I entered the campus. The energy excited the environment and, even before the day started, I talked to 10+ new people! It was by far the most self-introduction I have ever done in one day (yet). The whole day was filled with general information sessions, coffee chats, and talks from INSEAD alumni. The sessions taught us what to prepare, what mindset to bring, and what to expect when the course actually starts. From a delicious lunch catered by Four Seasons to limitless beer at Demsey Hill, the staff prepared a wonderful atmosphere for us to enjoy the day. The "networking" then continued at One Altitude bar, the world’s highest al fresco bar.

• BALI TRIP Part 1: "Keep it open" is a phrase that resonated throughout the entire journey. It means to embrace anything new and stay open-minded. It was an ideal sentence for new B-school students. It did not take long to break the ice as we were all hyped up to share our stories. There were 13 of us and, thanks to the Bali experts Mama San and Tej, we hit insanely amazing spots around the island. From private beach club to gourmet restaurants, surfing lesson to motorbike tour to sunset bars, we were just everywhere! Thinking back, it was the time that showed the social part of INSEAD next year!

• BALI TRIP Part 2: I love the island so much that I decided to stay longer and join further explorations! After a few goodbyes, a new member joined us. We then headed to an upper part of the island to explore natural tourist destinations such as Ubud, a rice farm (where the movie EAT LOVE PRAY was shot), Amed snorkelling to find Dori, cat poo coffee farm, and of course the eye-opening Bali temples! Exploring the local culture, food, and drink was a whole new experience. The activities strengthened the bond between us and hearing stories from each other's cultures made me realise how international INSEAD is!

• So do we all need to attend the pre-MBA events & trips? If you can, YES. You (most of you) will leave your job anyway, have the energy, and have the curiosity about what INSEAD is going to be. So why not? You will meet amazing people and build true friendships even before the course starts! I believe there are many reasons why people choose to attend an MBA course. But the people around you will matter throughout your time there and this opportunity will give you an amazing head start! So let's keep it open!