does anybody actually come to China to save money? It's just not realistic on a 4000 salary when one wants to live any kind of life. However, one can get by and thats the important thing

> It is profitable to work in China as an ESL Teacher?

> I will be working the balance sheet based on a monthly income of
> 4,000RMB. The teacher has free accommodation and no utility bills to
> pay for power only. The teachers is offered free meals at the
> schools dinning room if they inclined to eat there. Telephone
> connection is free but all outgoing calls are paid by the teacher.
> The internet is via the telephone line and therefore the cost of
> internet access is paid by the teacher.

> Average monthly costs paid by the teacher (non-smoker): Currency in
> RMB

> Telephone calls and internet access 180
> Food items not available at school 250
> Household goods for washing & cleaning 30
> Luxury items e.g., wine, spirits and beer 200
> Dining out costs 300
> Personal hygiene 50
> Transport costs e.g., bus and taxi 200
> ISD phone cards for international calls 160
> Teaching aids not supplied by the school 30
> Printer ink cartridges 100
> Printer paper 25

> TOTAL 1525 RMB

> YEARLY TOTAL 1525 X 12 equals 18,300 RMB

> One-off purchases as the need arises:

> Furniture fittings not considered necessary by the school 1000
> A bicycle 360
> Cooking utensils not consider necessary by the school 200
> A BIG night out with friends at top bars and clubs 500+
> Holiday travel and accommodation 4000+
> Unexpected return home trips for compassionate reasons 9000+

> TOTAL 15060RMB

> Total outlay to work and visit China can amount to 19,825 RMB.

> Annual salary equals 4,000 x 12 equals 48,000 RMB

> So lets round off the total outlays to around 20,000 RMB because
> there are hidden costs like medication and misc items. This leaves a
> balance of 28,000 RMB

> When you depart the country you can only leave with 70% which is
> 19,600 RMB which is equal to $2,450USD for a years work teaching in
> China. However, you could be lucky and not have to travel home during
> your stay. Plus whatever travel bonus paid by the school will offset
> your travel expenses in China.

> Can anyone add to this estimation or give comments please.