> Forgot one more thing...about 500DVDs!!!
Doesn't anyone buy ex-pat medical insurance for accident/major illnesses, etc??This insurance can wipe out any savings.

It really depends on how hard you want to budget I guess.

When I first came to China I was on 3000 a month, but with OT I usually took home about 4000. I (just about) managed to save 1000/month hence 12,000RMB which is a little less than your total. However, I did buy a mobile phone (4,500RMB) a DVD player (about 650) three bikes (first one was stolen plus one for my girlfriend about 700RMB) a camera (400) and countless other little things. I also bought a computer and various computer bits, but the school bought that off me when I left for pretty much the same as I paid for it, so I won't count that.
I ate out EVERY night, usually with my gf as well, but I hardly ever went to a flash restaurant, so that usually wasn't more than about 25. Plus of course some beers (usually the local brand so only 2RMB a bottle). I very rarely went to the flash bars or discos.

If you really want to save you can budget hard and save a reasonable amount, though from the sounds of it you may be better off going to Korea. (I haven't been there so I can't tell for sure, just from reading posts in this and other boards).

I have a mobile phone, but I don't use it a huge amount, so that only costs about 50/month. I also don't have a (working) printer, so no printer/paper costs. If you avoid going back home of course, then that is a major expense eliminated.

You should also be able to change all your savings into hard currency, and hence take it all with you when you leave. Legal schools have to pay you up to a certain percent in hard currency if you ask them (70% I think) usually USD. You can also change your RMB if you have an expert visa at the bank, plus there is the 'dodgy' exchangers that will do it for you (check the money carefully). They often give a better exchange rate than the banks!

You won't get rich on your savings, but you can save!!

> 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.