A Canadian teacher who has used her University of the Sunshine Coast Education degree to live and work around the globe will return to the Sippy Downs campus on Monday 23 February to share her experience with new students.

Jessica Burke-Trebell, 26, is expected to address a crowd of hundreds when she speaks at the USC Innovation Centre Auditorium at 11.30am on the first day of Welcome Week, which will include Orientation for International students at USC.

More than 1,000 International students are enrolled at the University this semester, with many new students coming from the United States, Germany, Sweden, France, Nepal and India.

Jessica’s return to the Sunshine Coast is part of her $3,000 prize for winning last year’s inaugural USC International Alumni Competition.

Her video entry was judged the best in the competition, which invited former USC students from overseas to share their stories. More than 150 entries were received.

“My year at USC was probably the most formative year of my life,” she said in the video. “I became a certified teacher, made lifelong friendships and most importantly, set the foundation for my future.”

“The Graduate Diploma in Education program was absolutely amazing. It fuelled my passion for education, and this passion has led me across the globe.”

Jessica, who graduated from USC in 2011, has visited 23 countries and taught in London and Uganda.

Click here to see her video

— Julie Schomberg