What You Need to Know Before Working Abroad as a Model

When a model receives an offer to work with a foreign agency, they must sign a model contract with their mother agency. That agency is then responsible for the model's safety abroad. A similar contract is also signed between the model and the agency they are travelling to.

The most common types of contracts with foreign agencies

There are generally two main types of contracts with foreign agencies:

• Contracts with a minimum guarantee;
• Standard contracts.

Contracts with a minimum guarantee are especially common in Asian countries, particularly Japan. They state the period for which the model comes to work in the country and the minimum guaranteed amount the model will earn. Depending on the contract, if the model receives no job offers during the first week or the first 10 days, they are sent home and the minimum guarantee is not paid.

If the model receives at least one job offer during that period, the minimum amount stated in the contract is immediately treated as the model's income, even if the model does not de facto earn that much. The model's expenses are deducted from the minimum guarantee, and the remainder is counted as the model's profit or loss.

If during the same period the model earns more than the minimum guarantee, the full amount earned counts as income. The model's expenses are deducted from it and the rest is counted as profit. These contracts, like standard ones, set out the rights and obligations of all parties in detail.

In European countries, standard model contracts are the norm. They state the model's working period and the obligations of all parties. With both types of contract, a statement showing income and expenses is drawn up at the end of the period.

Prepare for working abroad before you leave

Before travelling abroad to work as a model, read the contracts you have signed carefully. You need to understand them well so that you know your rights and obligations. A foreign agency can penalise you for certain breaches, so do not give any grounds for misunderstandings or conflict. Remember that you are going there to work, not to have fun, so behave accordingly: follow the instructions of both the foreign agency and your mother agency, do not come home late and do not be late for jobs.

Foreign agencies, just like those at home, hold castings, which are usually targeted – that is, models are selected for specific jobs. Just as in Lithuania, you should go to castings with clean hair and bring a swimsuit and your portfolio.

Don't be surprised to meet 100 or more girls at a casting, and above all, don't be afraid of the competition – this is completely normal. Write down and keep a record of every job you get and every expense you know about, so that you can check them later.

For example, if you buy a metro ticket with the price printed on it, make a note of the date and how much it cost. If your photos are published in a magazine, it is best to buy a copy and bring it home, as it may be difficult for the agency to obtain such material later.

Always carry the essentials with you. Don't forget any medicines you might need in an emergency. Look after your personal belongings and documents. Learn your agency's address and contact details by heart, so that if you ever get lost, you know where to turn. It is also a good idea to find out where the local consulates or embassies are.

Before travelling to another country, it is also advisable to learn about its culture. Some gestures that are perfectly ordinary for us may mean something quite different abroad from what we are used to hearing or seeing at home. That is why you should spend some time learning about the country's culture and customs before you leave.

We also recommend taking out health and life insurance before your trip and finding out which vaccinations you may need in the country you are visiting.