1) How much will I earn?

To know how much you will earn, you should find out how much your package is worth. Your cash salary is promised to be at least $330 per week on average, over a period of 1 month which translates to about R25 000 per month. Accommodation, utilities and transport usually paid for in full by the employer, could add another $175 per week to your package, which translates to an extra R8 000 per month. This means that you could be earning R26 000 per month, plus of course your flight tickets which are worth at least R18 000 to R25 000. As with any other job, there are standard deductions such as taxes. Tax rates could vary depending in which place or state you are but is normally around $35 per week. The more you earn of course, the higher the taxes. Your cash salary of around R25 000 is based on the current dollar/rand exchange rate. Your cost of living should be around $80 per week.

2) Your Accommodation

Mostly supplied free of charge or cheaply by the employer, worth around $125 a week. You will live in a small bunkhouse type room with enough space of about 2m x 2m. This is usually a long trailer with partitions in between and two bunk beds on top of each other. This will be your home during your stay in America. You will share accommodation with one of your South African friends or partner as there are usually 2 people per bunkhouse.

3) Your bathroom facility

Normally a shower, shared between 6-8 people, but don't worry, not all at the same time.

You are responsible for cleaning your own shower and room facilities. Porta John's, are available for your other needs. Even though your room has limited space, your bunkhouse is free or costs you little, so you can save the money you would normally spend on renting a flat or room, which you would have to do with any other regular job. Don't forget the value of your electricity and water bill which is usually paid for by your employer and often does not come out of your pocket. This adds another $25 or so per week to your benefits.

4) Some employers provide Walmart runs, for you to get groceries

If you are one of the lucky ones, you don't have to pay for transport when you go shopping for food. This is worth another $25 a week which does not come out of your pocket.

5) FINALLY, Please appreciate the value of all the perks you get!

You are going to work very hard for your money, so it's just natural that on some days you might feel that you don’t earn enough. When this happens, please think about all the great perks you are receiving and appreciate that it's not just a cash salary. When you add the value of the perks and benefits to your cash wages, you will be pleasantly surprised at how much your total earnings are.