UK: Learning about globalisation

One hundred enterprising 18 and 19-year-olds from Britain will have the chance to visit three of the leading countries of the new global economy – China, India and Brazil – in Prime Minister Gordon Brown's Global Fellowship scheme. It aims to nurture outstanding talent and enterprise through a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

The tailor-made six-week programme will offer a two-week introduction to the life and language of the country they are visiting; two weeks in a school or college to meet local young people, help as a language assistant or pursue an action research project of their own; and finally, they will be guests of a global company.

After their stay, they will be expected to share their experiences with audiences at their old school or college and their local community. They will also be invited to Downing Street to meet the Prime Minister and other fellows.

The scheme, devised and administered by the British Council, is funded by the Department for Children, Schools and Families. Candidates will be nominated by their head teacher or principal and they will spend July or August abroad and be back in time for the new academic year starting in the autumn.

Candidates will be asked to describe a project they have carried out which demonstrates their initiative and readiness to tackle new things. "The spirit of enterprise will play a more important role in the selection process than academic credentials," says the council.