Triad Internship
Introduced in 2008, the Triad Internship offers undergraduate students unique learning opportunities with three diverse public gardens within a single metropolitan area.
The Triad Internship
- emphasizes broad experience
- aims to provide undergraduate students an early introduction to diverse public horticulture careers
- exposes students to the missions, resources, and operations of varied public gardens
- helps students focus future coursework to match their career interests
Students choose three internship sites with differing missions, sizes,and budgets from a menu of approximately thirty institutions in the following recommended metropolitan areas:
- Philadelphia / Wilmington
- Baltimore
- Washington, D.C.
- Northern New Jersey
- New York City
Students can also work with The Center to assemble an Internship in another area of the country. In addition, students from other universities and other UD academic programs are invited to enroll.
2009 applications due February 1, 2009
Conctact Dr. Robert Lyons, Director of the Center for Public Horticulture, for more information about the Triad Internship.
2009 Application Documents and Links
- Student application and information (DOC)
- Information for potential host gardens (PDF)
- Host Sites
- Frequently asked questions
Participating Host Sites
Frequently Asked Questions
Applying for the Triad Internship
How do I apply for the Triad Internship?
Click here for the application. If you are a UD student, be sure to include a current resume and a list of estimated expenses. If you are a non-UD student, include a current resume, list of estimated expenses, and the names and contact information for 3 references.
Who should apply for the Triad Internship?
The Internship is open to undergraduate students from any college or university. It is intended sophomore or junior level students. Seniors are welcome to apply, but the "survey course" like nature of the Internship is better suited for sophomores and juniors.
When is the Triad Internship offered?
While most students participate in the summer semester, The Triad Internship is also offered in the spring, fall, and winter semesters.
When should I apply?
It depends on a variety of factors. Taking the course in the summer might be the most convenient for students, because you have larger blocks of available time. Also, summer students do not have to file an application to be a UD student, which saves non-UD students time and the application fee. Alternately, you may find it more convenient to spread out your internship experience over an entire semester, so apply in the spring or fall.
Do I need to be a University of Delaware student to participate?
No, the Internship is open to students from all colleges and universities.
Earning University Credit
How many credits can I earn?
The Internship is a 3 credit hour course at UD. These credits might not fully transfer to all universities, so be sure to discuss credit transfer with your advisor before applying.
Arranging Housing and Transportation
Do I need my own transportation?
It depends on which metropolitan area you plan to work in. If you’ll be completing the internship in New York City, Washington, D.C., or parts of Philadelphia, you will be able to get to work using public transportation. If you plan to work in certain parts of the Philadelphia / Wilmington area, Baltimore, or northern New Jersey, you will need to have access to a car. In certain cases, the Center can help with rental car costs for out of state students.
Where will I be staying?
There are several options, including university dorms, staying with garden staff members, housing on site at host gardens, and short term housing or apartments. The Center can help you find housing arrangements.
Figuring Finances
How much can I earn?
The Center will provide a biweekly stipend to each student that includes $10 per hour of work at each institution, as well as cover transportation expenses, and, if necessary, housing expenses. Due to University of Delaware policy, some transportation expenses will be covered up front by the Center, while others will require that a student be reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses.
Do I need to pay out of state tuition?
If you are not a Delaware resident, you must pay out of state tuition and associated fees.
How much will this cost me?
Delaware residents: about $950 (3 credit hours + associated fees)
Out of state: about $2300 (3 credit hours + associated fees)
What else does the Center pay for?
The Center will pay for selected transportation and housing fees. Due to University of Delaware policy, some transportation expenses will be covered up front by the Center, while others will require that a student be reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses. Contact the Center for more information.
Do I need to take the Internship for credit?
The Triad Internship is offered for credit only.
Choosing Host Gardens
What host gardens are participating?
See the list here
How do I choose host gardens?
Preferably, pick three diverse gardens from one metropolitan area. The gardens should have different missions and serve different functions in their communities. Look at the garden websites to find about more about each garden and how it may suit your interests and future career goals.
Can I choose gardens that aren’t on the list or gardens in another part of the country?
Yes, the Triad Internship can take place anywhere in the country, and at gardens not on the official host garden list. Contact the Center prior to submitting an application to discuss this. We cannot guarantee that a garden you choose will agree to participate.
student / host garden responsibilities
What are the student's responsibilities?
- Complete a minimum of 45 hours of service and learning at each host garden for a minimum total of 135 hours
- Develop a text and photo intensive blog of his/her experiences at each host institution, which includes a minimum of eight separate postings.
- Write a comparative paper describing his/her experiences at each host institution and how they relate to potential, future career plans (1200-1500 words)
- Maintain a professional demeanor; exhibiting punctuality, a strong work ethic, and a desire to learn
- Communicate with the Center and host institutions to organize the schedule and overall experience
What are the responsibilities of host gardens?
- Work with The Center to determine the student’s internship schedule and overall experience
- Provide the student an introduction / overview of the organization
- Present an agenda of positive learning experiences for the student
- Provide the student an opportunity to rotate through a variety of departments to experience the institution’s diversity
- Offer access for the student to participate in as many facets of organizational operation as is possible and comfortable within the institution
- Provide the student and the Center with a daily supervisor or contact person
- Provide student assessment information
Do you have a question not answered here? Email us for help.