Partner Life as a Bellifontaine

“Okay, but what’s it really like to be an INSEAD partner?” The question, conscious or not, certainly remained present in my brain prior to the move to France. While eager to support my husband’s MBA journey, I struggled to answer those voices (including my own) that asked what exactly I would be doing as a Bellifontaine (i.e., Fontainebleau resident and fun new vocab word).

Embracing the INSEAD Experience as a Partner: A Personal Journey

As a partner who joined my husband at INSEAD, I embarked on a journey filled with apprehensions and curiosity. My intent in writing this blog is to share my experiences and insights, particularly for those who, like me, have had concerns about what it means to be a partner of an MBA student at such a prestigious institution.Before our arrival at INSEAD, I often heard about the Partner Programme and its vibrant engagement in the INSEAD community. However, I couldn't fully grasp what this entailed. 

#36 - Partnering With INSEAD: Insights, Support, and Community - Student Life Feature

Partners play a crucial role in the MBA experience, providing support, encouragement, and a listening ear throughout the intense and challenging programme. They are often the unsung heroes behind the success of MBA students, offering a sense of stability and perspective during a time of significant personal and professional growth. From relocating to a new country to managing a household, partners have to navigate a unique set of challenges while supporting their significant other in pursuit of their academic and career goals.

INSEAD Familial Ties and Kinship

There are many reasons one chooses to attend business school – career progression, leadership training, expansion of network. It is without a doubt an exciting time to look forward to. But for some, attending INSEAD comes with yet another element to anticipate: being the second generation within the family to attend the school.

Pregnancy and Childbirth During Your Partner’s INSEAD MBA

The beginning of an exciting journey You may be about to embark on the INSEAD MBA journey with your partner, which is already an exciting adventure, but perhaps you are also about to become parents? It could be for the first time, or for the second or third time, but it might be a first for having a baby in France!  Being in a foreign country can create some extra stress when grappling with an unfamiliar “system” during the early stages of your pregnancy, the birth, and post-natal procedures.

#18 - Special Feature - Pursuing an MBA with Your Partner and Children

Partners and children enrich and enliven our community and we try to make sure that everyone benefits from the INSEAD experience. Through the availability of on-campus support, activities and the INSEAD Partners' community INSEAD children even get their own network of international friends, just like mum and dad. Plus, both Singapore and Fontainebleau are child-friendly places to live.Listen on your favourite platform

Episode #15 -Special Feature- MBA Student Life and Partners in Singapore

Around 30 per cent of students bring partners to INSEAD, which makes for a large, vibrant community. We try to make sure that everyone benefits from the INSEAD experience in every possible way through the availability of on-campus support, activities and the INSEAD Partners' community. A year as a partner at INSEAD is also a great opportunity to experience new cultures and learn new languages.

Episode #14 -Special Feature- MBA Student Life and Partners in Fontainebleau

Around 30 per cent of students bring partners to INSEAD, which makes for a large, vibrant community. We try to make sure that everyone benefits from the INSEAD experience in every possible way through the availability of on-campus support, activities and the INSEAD Partners' community. A year as a partner at INSEAD is also a great opportunity to experience new cultures and learn new languages.
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