Before arriving in Israel, a week may seem like enough time to explore what appears to be a small country. However, after spending just a few days here, one realizes how much there is to experience and how quickly time flies. We couldn’t help but reflect on how to make the most of this unique opportunity, and here are some tips for you:
Pre-read before arriving: We hate to begin this article with words not particularly liked by MBA students, but in hindsight, we wish we had dedicated more time to reading about Israel and the speakers. Gaining access to these incredible speakers is a truly unique opportunity, and pre-reading about them will enable you to better understand their perspectives and ask nuanced questions.
Find a way to balance your energy: This trek is fast-paced and intense and it is easy to get carried away by Israel’s vibrant nightlife and pristine beaches. While it’s important to experience all aspects of the city, find ways to balance your time and energy so you can stay attentive during the day and make the most of the talks and networking opportunities with your peers, the speakers, and the alumni.
Be curious about Israel: Many of us know little about Israel, making it easy to assume that the ‘startup nation’ element of the trip represents all about the country. Make an effort to be curious about Israel’s history, (contentious) politics, culture, and food. If you can, consider staying a few extra days to travel. Try to interact with locals and take guided tours (by locals) across the country. One of the advantages of coming to INSEAD is the opportunity to learn about different cultures and develop diverse perspectives. Remember to embrace that here as well.
Make time to pause and reflect: Lastly, you will be surprised by how much you will learn in this week. Quoting an HBR article linked here: “Reflection gives the brain an opportunity to pause amidst the chaos, untangle and sort through observations and experiences, consider multiple possible interpretations, and create meaning. This meaning becomes learning, which can then inform future mindsets and actions.” Multiple opportunities for reflection have been built into the course - use them wisely.
