Mentorship
Learn from people
who've already done it.
The Sofa Lounge mentorship programme connects emerging creatives and newcomers in China with experienced professionals who can share real guidance — not generic advice.
2
Cohorts run
24
Active pairs
12+
Cities covered
Q2 2026
Next cohort opens
How it works
Simple by design
Apply as a mentee
Tell us what you're working on, what kind of guidance you're looking for, and where you are in your creative journey.
Get matched
We match you with a mentor based on your discipline, city, and goals. Matches are made by the Sofa Lounge team — not an algorithm.
Meet monthly
One 45-minute session per month, online or in person if you're in the same city. Structured around your goals, not a generic agenda.
Build the relationship
The best mentorships go beyond sessions. Many of our pairs have become long-term collaborators, co-founders, and friends.
Mentors
Who mentors in the programme
Our mentors are community members and invited professionals who are passionate about helping the next generation of creatives navigate China. They give their time voluntarily — which means the quality of guidance is real, not transactional.
Apply to be a mentor →Creative practitioners
Designers, photographers, directors, and artists with 5+ years of professional experience in China or internationally.
Founders & operators
People who have built businesses, studios, or creative agencies in China and can share the practical reality of that.
Industry insiders
Professionals in fashion, tech, media, and advertising who can open doors and provide sector-specific guidance.
China navigators
Long-term residents who have figured out how to build a sustainable life and career here as a foreigner.
Mentees
Who should apply
The programme is for foreigners in China who are at a real inflection point — not people looking for a casual coffee chat, but people who have a specific challenge and are ready to work on it.
New arrivals
Less than 6 months in China, looking for orientation
Career pivots
Transitioning into a new discipline or industry
Freelancers going full-time
Building a sustainable independent practice
Creative students
Final year or recent graduates entering the industry
Founders early stage
Building something and needing a sounding board
FAQ
Common questions
Is the mentorship programme free?
Yes — for mentees. We ask mentors to volunteer their time as a contribution to the community. Mentees just need a free Sofa Lounge membership.
How long does a mentorship last?
We run in 3-month cohorts. After three months, both parties can choose to continue informally or through a new cohort cycle.
Can I apply as both a mentor and mentee?
Yes. Many of our most valuable community members are people who are learning in one area while sharing expertise in another.
What if the match isn't working?
Tell us. We don't force relationships. If a match isn't the right fit after the first session, we'll rematch or find an alternative.
Do I need to be in China?
Mentees should be based in China or planning to move. Mentors can be anywhere — many sessions are online.
Ready to apply?
Applications for the next cohort open Q2 2026. Join free to be notified when they open.