I just came across a dream opportunity for students of botany or horticulture: The Botanical Research Institute of Texas announced  a call for applications for its 2012 Ian Leese Fellowship in Horticulture for a summer internship at the renowned Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, Richmond, Surrey, UK. The Fellow receives a one-time stipend of $5,000 during the three month summer fellowship.

Last year’s Fellow, Kristin Beuke, a botany major at the University of North Texas who is passionate about growing orchids, was assigned to the Kew’s Great Glasshouses & Training Section. She provided plant maintenance in the Tropical Nursery while furthering her botanical studies.

Founded in 1987, the Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT) based in Fort Worth, Texas, is an international, scientific research and learning center focused on conservation, knowledge sharing, and studying the diversity of plant life.

“BRIT is taking a leading role in the advancement of botanical research and knowledge sharing in the US by awarding this fellowship at an early and formative stage of a person’s career,” says Ms. Emma Fox, Principal, School of Horticulture, Royal Botanic Garden, Kew.

Applications are made by completing Kew’s Horticultural Internship Application by March 15, 2012.