It's my understanding that it's illegal to work directly for a school, that's how it was
explained to me by the helpful police officer: as a FT (on both the study and the
working visa) you must always operate through a third party, and they must pass it
through the local government operator, E.g. FT -> Contractor -> Local Gov't ->
School.

I have never heard such drivel in six years of being in China.

I came to China in 2009 by directly applying to a University through their own website. I am still at the same University. It is point of fact that our university refuses to use any recruitment agencies or third parties whatsoever. The Foreign Affairs Office handles all that side of things and every single FT I have met has always applied directly or been referred by an existing FT here.

Whoever has told you this, alleged police officer notwithstanding is either hoping you are so gullible that you will believe anything and if you believe this then you most likely will or they are working hand in hand in collusion with this Enfly mob.

Some years back I met an FT like you who was fresh off the plane and pro China this and pro China that, well mark my words you will change your tune when something negative happens and you find your salary has been short changed, not paid or you have some visa problems to deal with. Well he went back home with his tail between his legs a considerably bitter anti China man.

I did out of curiosity ask Enfly to send me a contract this summer and it is absolutely crap and one sided.

You had the temerity to think that a 5,000rmb bonus is 'great'. Our air ticket reimbursement is 10,000rmb plus a 2,000rmb travel allowance. We get full pay for all holidays including summer and I am on 7,500rmb for 12 classes a week with no bills at all.

No matter how much you try and promote them, the damage is done. I am actually surprised they haven't changed their name again. When I first came to China, I arrived in Chengdu and they were known as Sunny's English Club. Enfly is the same boss(es) with a new crappy name.

Stay clear, Stay away, don't go near no matter what 'Joshua' has to say. Seriously total and absolute drivel and it takes a lot to surprise me after six years in China but this did!