Opportunity for college leavers to see how developing economies are run.

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Prime Minister Gordon Brown announced details of a new global fellowship for young people today. Each year 100 school and college leavers will have the opportunity to travel to countries considered part of the new global economy such as India, China and Brazil on a six week education trip.

During the trip the 18 and 19 year olds will learn about the life and language of the country they are visiting. They will work as language assistants in schools and spend two weeks as the guest of a global company to gain an understanding of how international business works.

Gordon Brown said: “The Global Fellowships programme will offer young people in Britain the opportunity to see first hand the new world of the 21st century that is opening up before us.

“It will develop the global awareness and enterprise skills that our young people will need to make Britain a success story in the future.

“I want a Britain in which every young person has the opportunities and support to harness their talents. This programme will send a message to all young people that they can learn about the world and develop their business skills.”

Applicants, who must be nominated by their headteacher or principal, will be asked how they would share their experiences with their school and local community on their return. They will also travel to Downing Street to tell the Prime Minister about the programme.

The fellowship, which has been funded by the DCSF, is being managed by the British Council and has the backing of companies such as Shell, HSBC and Tesco.

The first participants will travel abroad this summer.