Jana Attieh

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

My name is Jana, I’m from Jordan, and I have Palestinian roots. I’m studying Accounting at home in Amman, and I’m about to start my third year. This is actually my first time travelling alone, so it’s my first time away from my parents. At first, it was a bit scary, but I wanted to challenge myself, do something new, and step out of my comfort zone.

How has your experience been so far?

It’s been amazing. Before I came, I was worried I might struggle to communicate or make friends, but everyone here has been so friendly.  It was much easier than I thought to connect with people.  

Why did you decide to join the INSEAD Summer School?

I thought about doing an internship over the summer, but then I told myself, “This is the time to do something you might not be able to do later.” I’m still young, still studying, and I wanted to make the most of it. I also wanted to meet people from completely different cultures. In Jordan, most people are Jordanian, and while there’s some diversity, it’s nothing like here. Here, you walk into a classroom and see people from all over the world. It’s such a refreshing change.

How did you first hear about INSEAD?

My dad had heard about it from people he knew. He told me, “You should look for something to do this summer. Check out INSEAD.” I found the summer school on their website, and it instantly felt like the right thing to do.

How have you found making friends and settling into Fontainebleau?

Honestly, the friendships have been one of the best parts. 

English isn’t my first language. I usually speak Arabic, so I was a bit nervous. But once I arrived, I realised it didn’t matter; everyone has been so open and easy to talk to. Fontainebleau itself is beautiful. It’s a small town, but it has everything you need.

What’s been your favourite part of Fontainebleau?

Definitely the food! We’ve tried some really nice restaurants, and there’s an ice cream place, Amorino - that’s next level. The architecture here is also so different from back home. I love walking around and taking it all in; I feel like a tourist every time I go out.

Has there been a moment that really stood out for you?

The first week with my initial group. We clicked straight away. Everything just flowed. We laughed, worked well together, and it made the start of the programme feel so comfortable.

Do you have a favourite class or professor so far?

Yes, the very first course we had was with Professor Thomas Hellwig on Leadership.

It was about culture, and I was surprised by how many things I assumed were “universal” that actually aren’t. People can see the same situation in completely different ways depending on their background, and it really made me think.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about applying?

Just do it. Don’t overthink it if you get the chance, take it. Put everything you’ve done in your application, even if you think it’s small or not important. You never know what they might be looking for.