Education

International Internship Program:

The program is open to current college/university students, students currently pursuing a degree or certificate in horticulture/ related fields, and individuals who have graduated within the past year.

International Training Program:

The program is for individuals with previous training and experience. Applicants should have a degree or diploma in their field of interest and at least one year experience OR five years experience in their field.

Both programs provide one year of practical experience for non US citizens (individuals from abroad) who are at least 18 years of age and have an interest in Ornamental Horticulture, Education, Library Science or Marketing and Public Relations.

Applicants must be active and ambitious learners and are expected to strive for efficiency and a high level of quality in all tasks performed. The willingness to follow all supervisor instructions and Longwood safety procedures is essential. Proof of proficiency in English is required from all applicants, a valid driver’s license written in English or an international driver's license is preferred. Candidates must be independent-natured and able to perform repetitive tasks, operate machinery, train in adverse weather conditions, and lift 50 lbs. Some weekend and evening hours are required.

You may choose to begin the program either in the beginning of June or September. Other starting and/or completing dates are not available. This application and supporting documents should be received at Longwood Gardens by the due dates shown on the application. All documents must be translated into English.

Insurance

Longwood Gardens offers a mandatory medical insurance plan (does not include dental or eye care) to all International Program participants. All Internationals are required to have health insurance coverage.

Transportation

Round trip transportation to and from the United States is the responsibility of each international candidate. The closest airport is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, approximately 30 miles (50 kilometers) from Longwood. The bus and train stations nearest to Longwood are 12 miles away in Wilmington, Delaware. A representative from Longwood Gardens will greet you at either location and bring you to Longwood Gardens. There is no public transportation to Longwood Gardens in the region. An International Driver’s License is preferred to be accepted into the program.

Housing

While students are enrolled in either International Internship Program they are able to live rent-free (a taxable benefit) on Red Lion Row (within the grounds of Longwood Gardens). Find out more about housing.

Application

Download the application.

Completed applications must be received at Longwood Gardens by February 1 for the June start date and May 1 for the September start date.

The Royal Horticultural Society/Garden Club of America Interchange Fellowship

The RHS/GCA Interchange Fellowship is a reciprocal exchange program sponsored by the RHS in the UK and by the GCA in the US, in association with Longwood Gardens. The program aims to foster British-American relations, promote horticultural studies and the exchange of information in horticulture, and to develop the horticultural and educational leaders of the future. The program is open to British university graduates who received degrees in horticulture, landscape architecture, botany, or environmental studies. To learn more about the program and to apply for the fellowship, see the Bursaries section of the Royal Horticultural Society's website.

Finnis Scott Foundation Scholarship

Longwood Gardens is pleased to partner with the Finnis Scott Foundation of Northamptonshire, UK, for travel support of international interns and trainees from the United Kingdom. Candidates from the UK who have been accepted into either the Longwood Gardens International Internship Program or the International Gardener Training Program are encouraged to apply for financial assistance from the Finnis Scott Foundation to support their travel to and from the US.

Those candidates who have been accepted to begin their experience at Longwood Gardens in June should apply for financial assistance from the Finnis Scott Foundation by March 15, and those who have been accepted to begin their experience in September should apply by June 15. For additional information about the Finnis Scott Foundation and to download its grant application form, visit http://www.finnis-scott-foundation.org.uk/contact.html.