Aston require all new teachers to attend an initial two day training in it's schools expectations, curriculum and procedures. This is paid for by the individual schools. They also offer a seven day introduction to TEFL course, this is paid for initially by the trainee but reimbursed after three months of the contract.

Accommodation is covered for the two day course but not the seven. Transport is not covered for either, I am guessing this is where the "at our own expense" comment came from. Aston takes teacher training and development seriously and I benefited form this as a rookie teacher.

In my experience, Aston is a good company to work for. I worked in Xi'an, Dalian, Hanzhong and Guiyang.

If Raoul feels hard done by, then I am truly sorry. I have never seen him post the specifics of his time with Aston so cannot comment on this. All I can say is I was always treated well and fairly and would not hesitate to go back should I return to teaching