Well, J, or Jc,

Since you posted two identical retorts, I'll counter with one... ALL Aston schools are franchises. I don;t how you can claim yours is not a franchise. I don't think most real native speakers would employ the phrase "cozy environment" to describe their living quarters (unless they were trying to be humorous in describing a VERY small dwelling).

From I know about Aston, if you've been there for 5 years as you claim, then accordibg to Aston system, detailed in the contract, you are probably a manager and/or recruiter by now, right? That would explain your rousing recommendation of Aston, in order to snag some overseas, gullible newbies. Otherwise, I have to suspect that you are a Chinese employee of Aston, pressured to offer a positive picture in this forum. Either way, I ain't buyin' it, but hey, nice try!