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Cultures and people around the world are connected more than ever before, opening up exciting possibilities for young people. It matters that today’s generation of young people grow up understanding first-hand what globalization means for people and are confident to make the most of the opportunities of the twenty first century. The Prime Minister’s Global Fellowship has been created to nurture outstanding talent and enterprise through international exposure to different countries and their way of life.

The Global Fellowship programme

The Global Fellowship will offer 100 school and college leavers a year the chance to visit some of the major countries of the new global economy, starting in 2008 with China, India and Brazil.

It is a new and innovative scheme designed to give the Fellows a once-in-a-lifetime trip. The tailor-made six week programme is made up of three parts:

• A two week cultural programme - introducing them to life and language in the country they are visiting
• Two weeks in a school or college - where they can meet local young people, help as a language assistant with spoken English and pursue an action research project of their choice
• Two weeks as the guest of a global company - where they will get an understanding of how an international business works and how their social responsibility projects impact the community they operate in.

On their return, the Fellows will be asked to tell the story of their trip in the school or college they attended in England and elsewhere within their own community or neighbourhood. They will also be invited to Downing Street to share what they have learnt with the Prime Minister and with one another.

The closing date for applications has now passed. We are busy allocating places to successful applicants and preparing for their departure.

If you have any questions about the scheme, please email pmgf@britishcouncil.org

Who can apply for a Fellowship?

The scheme is open to anyone in England who has been in full time education, training or apprenticeship and will be will be 18 or 19 years old on 1 July 2008. Candidates should be self-starters who will enjoy rising to the challenge of a full programme and a wide range of experiences in new environment. 

The selection process

Candidates were put forward by their Headteacher or Principal.

In the application, candidates were asked to describe a project they had undertaken which demonstrated their initiative and readiness to have a go at new things. The spirit of enterprise played a more important role in the selection process than academic credentials. 

Candidates were not be required to have studied the language of the country they hope to visit, though they should have an open-minded attitude and readiness to learn some of the language through the Fellowship programme.

As part of their submission, candidates were asked to design a communications plan for their return to the UK, in order to share what they have learnt in their own school or college and within their community.

Timetable

Applications will be open from around November 2008.

Candidates will shortlisted in March for an interview in April and the results are due to be announced in early May.

There will be a day of preparation in London during late June. The Global Fellows will travel in July or August depending on the country they are visiting. The trip will be 6-8 weeks long, and will finish in time for the start of the new academic year for students starting a college or university course in the autumn of 2009.

Following the programme overseas, Fellows will be invited to London for a de-brief and preparation for their communications plan, which they will be expected to complete by the end of 2009. They will also be invited to Downing Street to meet the Prime Minister and representatives of the organisations which hosted and planned their Fellowship programme.

Organisation and funding

The Global Fellowship programme is funded by the Department for Children, Schools and Families. It was devised with and will be managed, on behalf of the DCSF, by the British Council. The British Council also manages the Global Xchange international volunteer programme for young people and the DCSF International School Award in schools throughout the country.

The young people on the programme will be 18 and 19 year olds and therefore adults. However, the following safeguards have been put in place:

• risk assessments will be carried out in each of the host countries
• the scheme will follow FCO guidance about travel to specific countries and will make any changes required to remain compliant with these guidelines, including canceling programmes within specific territories or countries
• the British Council will assume an overall duty of care for the young people on the programme
• all Fellows will be provided with travel insurance
• Fellows will also have the support of the British Council teams in each country
• The British Council operates a 24 hour scholar management emergency telephone service from the UK, to mobilize an emergency response if necessary.

All expenses will be paid, including travel and accommodation overseas and within the UK. Accommodation will be in hotels/hostels or as guests of local families. In addition, the Fellows will receive a stipend during their weeks away.