Martin McLaren Scholarship
The scholarships are open to recent university graduates who have earned a BA or BS degree and are single and unaccompanied. Because of a 26 year-old age limit on student travel vouchers in Great Britain and Europe, it is strongly advised that the applicant be 26 or younger.
A graduate academic year in the U.S. for a Briton and a work-study program for an American at universities and botanical gardens in the U.K. Purpose is to foster British-American relations through the interchange of scholars in horticulture, landscape architecture, and related fields.
The McLaren scholar is able to combine practical experience and study at several institutions. S/he is expected to arrive in England during the summer to allow adequate time for visits to sites of horticultural interest. The program for the academic year provides periods for study, research and practical work at the famous ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS at Kew and Edinburgh, as well as an optional university semester, when the fellow may have the opportunity to pursue a research project under the guidance of an advisory panel. The Martin McLaren Trust provides for the major costs of housing, board, tuition and an allowance for personal needs during the American student's year in Great Britain. All travel arrangements to Great Britain are made by The Garden Club of America. Any additional funds for personal expenses exceeding the allowance are supplied by the candidate. The student is responsible for providing a passport and student visa, or any other documentation with accompanying medical requirements, photos, etc.
Application form, available on web (see below):
- Essay # 1: Write a brief essay telling about yourself, including the following points: autobiographical data;
how you first became interested in horticulture; hobbies and special interests; travel in the U.S. and abroad; if
you speak a foreign language.
- Essay #2: Write an essay stating your reasons for applying for this scholarship, the specific field in which
you wish to study while in England, and what you expect to gain and contribute, should you be awarded this
scholarship.
- Four letters of recommendation, including one from a professor who knows you well and one personal reference
- All finalists must attend a required interview at their own expense in early January at the GCA Headquarters in NYC.
Fellowship occurs in UK