Teach & Play
Teach & Play
Become a Teacher / Foreign Model in China (NO MODELING EXPERIENCE REQUIRED)
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Why Should I Move To China?
China is the perfect place to start out as a model / teacher
There is no better place on earth than China to start your modeling career. China has a huge demand for foreign models due to it being the centre of the world for fashion production and being a major player in global e-commerce and media. China also boasts a burgeoning movie / television industry and has regular major fashion shows and events throughout the year that require foreign models.
Photographers and photo studios in China are usually very keen to assist foreign models with building their model portfolio through free photoshoots (as this also helps the photographers/studios add an international flavour to their own portfolios).
Teaching English in China is the foot in the door that gives you a visa and financial stability (around US$2,500 per month) while also giving you the flexibility and time to concurrently develop your model portfolio and attend castings for photoshoot and catwalk work.
What are the requirements?
You must be at least 20 y/o to apply
For us to get you a teaching job in China, you must be at least 20 years old and have a clean criminal record. TEACHING EXPERIENCE or TEACHING QUALIFICATIONS are NOT a requirement. If you meet the above requirements, we can get you teaching a job that will allow you to explore your creative ambitions in the world's best playground for emerging foreign models.
World Class Lifestyle & Nightlife
Foreign Models in China are treated like Queens & Kings
As well as having everything you need to thrive as an emerging model, China also offers a stimulating lifestyle and world class nightlife. Many of the top clubs in China have "model tables" which offer champagne and VIP treatment to foreign models completely free of charge.
China's international community is extremely diverse and includes a large enclave of energetic fashion entrepreneurs from all around the globe who will be both your support group and a source of inspiration for what you can achieve yourself. Your new community will possess all the knowledge and connections needed for you to succeed in the modeling world.
Aside from the fashion and thriving social scene, China is incredibly rich in culture and cuisine. Whether it's visiting ancient temples or sampling Shanghai's best street food, China offers adventure for even the most discerning wanderlust.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much will I get paid?
For The Teaching: Teacher salaries are paid by the school and are usually CNY16,000 - 20,000/month. This equates to USD$2400 - $3000/month. You can earn much more on top of this if you take on a few private tutoring hours or have China experience. (Currency Converter)
For The Modeling: Modeling work pay varies depending on the specific job and the experience and ability of the model. Entry level models are paid around and ¥1000-2000 (USD$150-300) per hour for photoshoot or video shoot work and around ¥2500 (USD$350) for a catwalk show.
2. What is China like?
China is the center of the universe. If you want it, it's here. We guarantee no lifestyle sacrifices - you'll have a ball. Check out TimeOutBeijing or TimeOutShenzhen for inspiration.
3. Are there VISA eligibility requirements?
Yes. For this opportunity, China requires that you:
i. Have a passport from either South African, USA, Canada, AUS, NZ, UK, Ireland or Jamaica. AND
ii. Have a clean criminal record
4. What are the teaching jobs like?
Teaching China is a stimulating and fun experience. All your classes are taught in English. Most jobs for foreign teachers in China are English teacher roles. jobs are English teaching jobs. We have different school types and student level groups available from kindergarten all the way up to high school. Teaching hours are usually 15-25 per week leaving you plenty of time for learning Chinese, making friends in your home away from home and enjoying everything that China has to offer.
5. What's the deal with Accommodation?
You will have an accommodation fund as part of your salary package. Chinese tier 1 cities are densely populated so housing is usually limited to high rise apartments and lane houses/lofts.
6. Accommodation cost?
CNY2,000 - 4,000/month. (Currency Converter)
USD$300 - $600/month
Some landlords require 2 month of rent in advance however there are accommodation options where you can pay month-by-month.
7. Any language barriers?
Living in China is definitely easier if you speak the language, but most foreigners can't. It's entirely possible to exist here super comfortably without language skills. If you want to learn Chinese then there's no better place to learn! With regular part time study you can become fluent in Chinese within 12 months.
8. Can I bring my partner and/or family?
Partners are welcome but this proramme is not for people with children.
9. Living costs?
Beers: $0.5 (Stores) $1.5-5 (Bars)
30 min Taxi/Uber: $5-8 (super cheap)
Subway ride: $1-1.5
Western Restaurant Lunch/Dinner: $6-15
Chinese Restaurant Lunch/Dinner:$2-8
Weeks worth of groceries: $50
Mobile Phone Plan: $10 / month
10. How long will my contract be for?
Employment contracts with schools in China are generally for between 10-24 months. Shorter term contracts are not available. Keep in mind that it's always possible to leave China before the end of your contract if you have to leave for personal reasons or another opportunity elsewhere. Your modeling will be done on a freelance basis so there will be no long term contract for that.
11. Do I need to be vaccinated to come?
No. You do not need a covid vaccination (or any other vaccination) to come to China.
12. How do I sort a visa?
We provide full support for preparing visa documents and processing your visa.
13. What is the timeline and costs for coming to China?
Week 1
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Register Interest with Teach & Play
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Online Job Interview
Week 2
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Obtain Formal Job Offer
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Start Preparing Visa Documents:
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Police Clearance From Own Country (processing time 1-10 days depending on country)
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NZ/AUS/USA/IRE/SA/CAN: Free
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UK: £20
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TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) Certificate - NOTE: this certificate is issued INSTANTLY upon purchase with the course work being done at a later date if you choose
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COST: $150
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Week 3 - Week 7
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Visa Document Authentication - We guide you through this process to make sure it is done correctly
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Cost & Processing Time
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UK: £225 / 4 Weeks
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NZ: NZ$150 / 2 Weeks
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AUS: AU$200 / 3 Weeks
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IRE: €150 / 4 Weeks
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USA: $200 / 3-4 Weeks
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CAN: $200 / 3-4 Weeks
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RSA: R3000 / 1 Week
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Week 7
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Apply for Visa at Chinese Embassy / Consulate / Visa Centre
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Processing time: 4-7 days
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COST: $40-60 (depending on country of issue)
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Week 8
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Fly to China
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COST: $400-800 (reimbursed by employer)
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NOTE: The timeline for coming to China can be reduced to 2-3 weeks if needed.
14. What are the total costs for coming to China?
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US$200-400 (approx) for Visa Document Preparation & Authentication (this cost is reimbursed by SOME SELECT employers, however this cost must be covered personally by the teacher with most employers in China.
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US$200-400 for Flights (this cost is reimbursed by all employers)
15. Is China Safe?
Yes, China is incredibly sage. Generally speaking, tier 1 cities in China are much safer than most major cities in western countries (not to mention in South Africa..). People living in China enjoy a very high level of personal safety and freedom due to good law and order, strong economic growth and cultural norms which keep most of society on the straight and narrow. Chinese people are extremely friendly towards foreigners so there is no barrier to making local friends (or girlfriends / boyfriends for that matter ;) ).
16. Will I be able to learn Chinese
With regular part time study you can achieve fluency in Chinese within 12 months. Many employers provide free Chinese lessons and local colleagues will always be happy to help you practice your newly learnt language.