Chennai, July 24 (IANS) As many as 40 British students will spend six weeks in India with leading companies to have a closer understanding of the business environment and culture of the country.

A British council release issued here said 100 students between the age group of 18-19 were selected under the British prime minister's global fellowship programme to travel to emerging countries like India, China and Brazil to have first-hand experience with these economies.

'The candidates have been drawn from a diverse socio-economic background. Many may have never had the opportunity to travel overseas, and indeed may never have been away from home for an extended period,' said the release.

The 40 students visiting India will learn about the prevailing competitive environment, skill sets required in a global economy, undertake research work in a local school and also get exposure to the rich Indian culture and history.

The host institutions will include Shell Technologies, Tesco, Hindustan Service Centre, Tata Consultancy Services, HSBC, Ernst & Young, KPMG and Group 4.