RHS changes foreign exchange programme

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has announced an amendment to one of its international scholarship programmes.

For 60 years, the body has operated an exchange deal with the Garden Club of America, whereby one US graduate would spend 10 months studying in the UK and a British graduate would head in the opposite direction.

The horticulturalists that were sent to the US were entered for the first year of a masters degree at an institution across the pond.

However, the format of the scheme is set to change, with a number of non-academic exchanges set to take place.

Garden and greenhouse enthusiasts will be able to undertake practical work in a number of centres across the States.

It means diploma and HND students can now apply for the scheme, with the closing date for the 2010/11 year set for October 31st.

The RHS recently heralded the Big Lunch event a success after around two million people took part in street parties around the country.

Organised by the Eden Projects Tim Smit and Paul Twivy, the event was aimed at encouraging people to grow their own food.