Most of us have been through travel nightmares that over time have turned into fond memories. Maybe you were lost for hours while in a place where nobody spoke your language, but you ended up making great friends and learned how to live alone. This is what happened with me.

From May 19 through 30, 2014, ICFJ brought together experts from around the world to the Rockefeller Foundation's Bellagio Center in Italy to find ways to use data to advance quality journalism. Ben Colmery helped organize this key summit.

His third report:

Having “Code for” and open data leaders from five continents at our CodeCamp meant we were able to draw upon truly global evidence and intelligence on how to strengthen citizens through government and media-focused data initiatives.

It seemed to be an interesting possibility from the very beginning when I filed the application with the United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan. I applied at the last moment of course, as would be expected of me, running off to the general post office in Islamabad and depositing the envelope in person just 10 minutes before the office shut down. Then, I got an interview call. It all seemed surreal, as if it was not happening to me at all.

The idea of going to the United States for the first time and to actually be able to work there for a broadcast media outlet would be no less than a dream for a workaholic like me. The U.S.-Pakistan Professional Partnership in Journalism instantly became the highlight of my very happening and fast-developing life.

The soccer World Cup starts this week in Brazil. As players get in shape and fans stock their refrigerators, news organizations are getting ready to handle the huge logistical challenge of covering such an event. But the Brazilian and foreign journalists who will cover what happens outside the stadiums face a scenario far removed from the excitement of the matches.

In the run-up to the World Cup, activists have held numerous anti-government protests in Brazil’s major cities.