Karlee Grant and Brent Cook didn't attend their graduation ceremony in 2009 to celebrate completing their individual BA degrees in history because they had been offered jobs teaching overseas.

"We learned about AU while attending Mount Royal University in Calgary. Many of our professors and classmates had nothing but good things to say, so we looked into it. Although we were accepted into the University of Alberta history program, the great instructors at MRU and AU were the real reason we chose to continue with AU.

"After our first time travelling together (one year in Ukraine), we knew we weren't done seeing the world. We attempted some distance education programs, which gave us the confidence we needed to attempt finishing our degrees overseas. We ordered a full-time course load, contacted some old friends and eventually ended up teaching English in Ukraine. AU was a perfect situation for us to get an education and experience the world.

"Our many travels took us to great sites and cities which ignited a passion for the past. (So did) the great history faculty at MRU, which taught us the historian's craft. They opened doors which allowed us to make sense of the things that we saw.

"We love AU! The flexibility and accommodation was amazing. We recommend this to any students who want to continue their education and see the world. It is hard, but very fulfilling.

"Our completed degrees make us more attractive to prospective employers. We believe that living overseas gives a person some of the best life experiences and understanding of the differences of the world's people and cultures. We hope our experiences abroad will help our future endeavours."

That future includes a new job offer in Bar, Montenegro. The Adriatic Sea (five minutes from their apartment) convinced them that Montenegro would be their next teaching experience for the year. They also hope to travel to Finland for a winter camp with Russian kids in January. After finishing their contract in May, they will be getting married in the Czech Republic in June and will then return to Finland to teach.