Here's the first blog from one of our two Global Fellowship world travellers this year - FolesHillfields regular Raadia, who's on her way to Brazil in a week's time:

Heyylo ... Welcome!

Well, for those of you who dont know ... I'm Raadia! :) Nice to meet you all, and I'm very, very happy that you are reading my first blog entry! :D   First of all, a little bit about myself ...

I'm 18, from a relatively large family of eight, from the wonderful city of Coventry and the even better community of "FolesHillfields". Just finished my A levels (whooo!), so seven long years of schooling has come to a long awaited end! :P

As all exams have finished, and I begin my course (Eng Lit and Spanish) at university in October, I now have this glorious summer stretching before me. I was keen to do something productive and exciting during this free period of time ... and what better than the Global Fellowship programme I am about to embark on.

Global Fellowship? I hear you question ... well, let me take the pleasure in informing you briefly about it. Its an opportunity for a hundred lucky, young people across Britian to experience first-hand the economic, social, and environmental impact of globalisation in three of the most rapidly, developing economic countries: Brazil, India and China.

After an intensive selection process, including an application form consisting of questions testing our suitability, and an interview day in London, I was estatic to hear I had been accepted! Immediatly after seeing the word "Congratulations" and "six weeks in Brazil", I was knocked back by two of my sisters and a lot of screaming, hugging and victory dancing followed!

I have just come back from a pre-departure weekend organised by the British Council, which has really got me all buzzed for what I'm sure will be an experience of a lifetime! Meeting the 99 other fellows, partaking in media, Portuguese language and Brazillian cultural workshops, as well as learning more about how a multi-national business operates, really has boosted my enthusiasm levels. :D

Spending six weeks in Brazil will, undoubtedly, help shape my views on the increasingly inter-connected world we now live in, and the responsibilty we hold as global citizens. I am most looking forward to investigating the gulf between rich and poor in Brazil, and the reality of life in the favelas.

Admittingly, I am quite nervous ... I have never spent so long away from home by myself, but it's a challenge Im looking forward to embrace.

I hope to keep you informed of my travels, adventures and expriences I encounter ... so watch this space! :)

Thank you for reading this ... I hope you continue to do so!

Over and out ... :)