Geography Teaching Jobs Abroad

If you’re an experienced geography teacher that’s looking for a new opportunity, teaching abroad is well worth considering. Not only will you get to experience a new culture and way of thinking, but future employers will stand your time abroad in good stead. With that said, you’ll need to ensure that your academic profile is suitable for teaching in your desired location.

Whether it’s a Bachelor's Degree, postgraduate teaching diploma, or years of experience - expectations will ultimately depend on the country you wish to teach in, and the type of academic institution that’s recruiting. 

If you’re looking to find out more about teaching geography abroad, be sure to read through the information we’ve listed below.

What qualifications will I need?

If you’re looking for a serious career change by teaching in a first-world economic nation like the USA, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand - then schools will expect you to meet some minimum requirements. In terms of your university education, you will need to hold at least a Bachelor's Degree in Geography. 

However, your application will stand a much better chance if you hold a relevant Master’s Degree, too. Schools might take particular notice to the grades that you achieved at university, so do bear this in mind. 

On top of a university degree, you will also need to be in possession of a postgraduate teaching diploma. In the UK this amounts to a PGCE. Failure to meet the above requirements could make it difficult to land a suitable geography teaching role abroad. 

Do I need experience?

Unlike teaching English abroad - which allows even those without a degree or prior in-class experience to obtain a position of some sort, you’ll be required to have experience under your belt to teach geography. Crucially, this needs to match the classroom setting that you are looking to teach in. 

For example, if you’re applying for a geography teaching role at a primary school in New Zealand, you will need to demonstrate that you’ve previously taught children of a similar age. In terms of how much experience you will need, this will depend on the school in question. Typically, you’ll need to possess at least 1-3 years’ worth of experience to be considered. 

Will I need a visa to teach abroad?

Regardless of which country you decide to teach geography abroad, you will need to ensure that you have the legal right to work. Once again, unlike a more relaxed TEFL role, you won’t be able to turn up on a tourist visa and expect to start teaching geography. Instead, you’ll need to obtain a work permit. 

In some cases, you’ll be able to arrange this for yourself before you arrive. For example, in countries such as Australia and New Zealand, the points-based immigration system would qualify you for a work permit. This is, however, on the proviso that you have the required qualifications and in-class experience. 

On the other hand, certain countries require the school or academic center to arrange the work permit on your behalf. This means that you will need to land a job before you arrive. 

What's the best way to find a job?

If you think you hold the required academic qualifications and prior in-class teaching experience, we would suggest browsing through the many geography teaching roles that we have listed on this page. 

We have roles across various academic settings in every corner of the world. Even if you fall short in a particular area, certain countries are known to be more flexible if they like your application. As such, there’s a role to suit most requirements!