International Opportunities in Horticulture at Auburn University Amy N. Wright Department of Horticulture Auburn University

Outline  Importance of International Experience  10-day Student Centered Study Tours  6-week Study Abroad for Undergraduate Credit  Departmental International Website

International Experience  More competitive when applying for jobs –Government agencies –Public gardens –Industry  Professional contacts  Understanding of and appreciation for other cultures  Experience traveling

Ten-Day Study Tours  History  Cost  Funding  Destinations  Application Process  Student responsibilities

History  Travel between spring and summer semesters  London and Kent 2003 –3 students + 1 faculty  London and Kent 2004 –5 students + 2 faculty  Costa Rica 2005  The Netherlands 2006  China, France, Italy, British Columbia, Spain

Cost  Approximately $2,000 per student  Includes: –All lodging and meals –Entrance to gardens –In country travel –International flight  Each student pays only $500

Funding  Henry P. Orr Endowment Fund –Contributions from alumni, faculty –Golf Tournament  Recently, each student covers $500  International Scholars Program  College of Agriculture

Destinations  London and Kent –Public gardens –Private gardens –Properties of the National Trust –Museums –City of London

Destinations  Costa Rica –Production facilities: cut flowers, foliage plants –Production areas: coffee, oil palm, banana –Ecosystems and biodiversity: cloud forest, rain forest, biological preserves, botanical gardens –Private gardens

Destinations  The Netherlands –Public gardens –Private gardens –Flower auctions –Production areas –Museums

Application Process  Impact statement written by student  GPA  Faculty references  Involvement in extracurricular activities  Interview with committee  Challenges

Student responsibilities  Make daily journal entries of all visits  Take photographs at each location  Present group seminar in the following fall semester  Speak to student clubs (HortForum, ALCA) and classes to promote trip  Attend fundraisers and speak about experiences

Six-Week Study Abroad  Location  Coursework and credits  Cost

Location  Myerscough College in NW England –   Manchester International Airport   Four hours northwest of London   10 miles north of Preston – –Train station   70 miles south of Scotland

Coursework  June 1 – July 15 (approx.)   13 Hours of Credit   Herbaceous Ornamental Plants HORT 4100 (4)   Landscape Gardening HORT 2210 (4)   Garden History and Design HORT 4930 (3)   International Seminar AGRI 3800 (2)   Twice weekly field trips

Cost   $ $7000 paid by May 1   Rate based on the number of students: – –8=$7000; 10=$6500; 12=$6000; >12=$5500  Includes –Three meals a day –Lodging –Field trips –Books –Linens

Accommodations  Double occupancy dorm rooms  Private bathroom  Shared kitchen  Common areas

Facilities  Computer lab  Library  Dining hall, convenience store  Laundry facilities

Facilities  Gym and weight room  Soccer fields  Walking trails  Bar  Gardens

Departmental Website  Announcements  Contact Information  Application forms  Links of interest –US State Department –Passport Office –AU Study Abroad Office

Program Success  Student word-of-mouth  Awareness of options early in program  Faculty involvement  College support