I am moving to France!

A month ago I was accepted for my MBA studies at INSEAD. Many people did not know that I applied. The process began during the spring 2009, and on June 18, 2010 I was welcomed into their fall incoming class.

Their program is a full time MBA program that occurs over 10 months (www.insead.edu).  It’s the only school that I applied to. It was the only school that I was interested in attending. I liked the structure of their curriculum (compact), the student body that they attract (highly international), and the opportunity to live both in France and Singapore during my studies.  From what I understand, I am embarking on the best year of my life!

So I find myself on my personal treadmill of paperwork to complete, a visa to get processed, housing to sort out. There are the incidentals such as bank my accounts, phones, transportation, and a plane ticket. But more importantly, I am struggling to find time with family, friends, and colleagues who I will miss while I am away.

Altogether it has been an adventure. The kind of adventure that made me regret not applying tot the first session. So many things to do and so little time left with my family and friends. I am sad, excited, and scared all at once.  Fortunately some of the process has been alleviated by meeting alumni and other incoming students who have gone through the process. These amazing individuals have provided me with insight literally from almost all continents of the world!

The journey of what it will be like to deal with the French began a month ago as I started my process to sort out a visa. It’s long and arduous. It has made me question why I chose France to start. My visa appointment Thursday was quite a disaster. I arrived with the long list of documents to deliver.  But the guard wanted my driver’s license, utility bills, and lease. I tried to use my NYC library card to justify my residency but he didn’t budge. Even though obtaining a library card required NYC utility bills, I was redirected to Washington D.C. I went back to the original list and couldn’t find anything about lease and utility bills. But I need the VISA so I will do as I am told and try again. Note to future applicants, bring every document that they require, your VISA card, and cash as a back up.

On a positive note,

I am a lucky girl. I will be living with the most interesting and diverse group of people that I will ever meet in my life. I will live in the French countryside. I will learn (at some point before August 30^th) to drive a manual car. But mostly importantly, I will learn about strategy, interacting with multiple cultures, and also set myself along a course to become involved in investing in multifamily and hospitality properties internationally.

Come August 28^th my new home will be Domaine de Saint Ange (http://ilovehouse.free.fr), a compound of homes. My home will be room 8 in La Cheverie! Yes after seven years I will have not just roommates but housemates. At night I wonder whether I am moving into a glorified frat house with internationally sophisticated people. From what I understand Domaine de Saint Ange will house a total of 20 graduate students. The compound is a 18km daily drive to class. I don’t see any Starbucks on my way to an 8:30am class?

Please cross your fingers for me as I embark on this journey!