Experiences Abroad: Scotland
Oct. 30, 2008

Atsuko Akabane on the west coast of Scotland.		Atsuko Akabane at the Scottish Plant Hunters Explorers Garden in Pitlochry.

“Every day was full of discovery, and I had a fantastic summer that I will never forget,” said Japanese exchange student Atsuko Akabane.

Horticulture student Atsuko Akabane participated in a 10-week summer internship at three different locations in Scotland. During her first seven weeks, she worked with the garden supervisor at the Scottish Plant Hunters Garden, referred to as the Explorers Garden, in Pitlochry, considered the gateway to the Scottish Highlands. During that same time, she also worked two days a week at Pitcairn Alpines in Perth, a nursery specializing in the production of unusual bulbs and ornamental flower seed.

“I gained a lot of experiences from this internship program,” Akabane said. “It was very interesting to learn about a variety of plants in a different country.”

At the Explorers Garden, Akabane was involved in planting and propagating and the usual weeding. She also had the opportunity to visit other gardens and plant nurseries throughout Scotland. At Pitcairn Alpines, she assisted with general plant nursery duties, including planting, collecting and sorting seed.

During her final three weeks in Scotland, Akabane lived with other UA students in Edinburgh and worked at the Royal Botanic Garden. She participated in a variety of tasks, both under glass and outside. The most exciting project at the Garden was working in the palm house, where she helped with the construction of a pond.

“Before I started this program, I wasn't sure what I wanted to do after I graduated,” Akabane said. “However after completing this program, now I know my career goal.”

Akabane received a grant from the Diana Aitchison Fund in the UK to assist with living costs and travel expenses. The Fund is designed to help young gardeners further their knowledge of rock and alpine plants.

Global Studies Program
Dr. Raymond W. Barclay, Director
425 Hotz Hall, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701
479-575-6727 • rbarclay@uark.edu