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 expected to be at least $330 per week on average, over a period of 1 month normally, which translates to about R25 000 per month before tax and deductions.
Accommodation, utilities and transport usually paid for in full by your employer, could add another $175 value per week to your package, which translates to an extra R13.500 per month.
This means that you could be earning R38.500 per month perks inclusive, plus of course your flight tickets A2X paid upfront, which are worth at least R15 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 work 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 subject to a fluctuating Rand / Dollar exchange rate. Your cost of living should be around $80 per week.


2)Your accommodation
Is often one of your largely sponsored perks/ fringe benefits, worth around $125 a week. You will live in small bunkhouse type accommodation with adequate 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 accomodation with a fellow South African or your partner and there are usually 2 people per bunkhouse.
3) Your bathroom facility
Is usually a shower, often shared between 6-8 people, but don't worry, not all at the same time though ;-)
You are responsible for cleaning your own shower and room facilities. Porta-Johns, 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 (or partly spend) 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 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.
This can also be another nice to have, so you don't have to pay for a taxi or bus when you go shopping for food. This is worth another $25 a week which does not necessary come out of your pocket.5) FINALLY, Please appreciate the value of all these perks you get !
International tickets, etc. to an in America that don't come out of your pocket, but out of ours. Add this large ticket value mentioned above, and all the other free perks, like housing, water, lights, Walmart runs, etc. to your in the pocket income, the day you feel you are not earning enough. When you add it all up you will be surprised what you really earn, for the hard work you do.