I should know better, having read Diana's negative review of this school and her advise to "avoid" it. But, I had 25 years of China experience, speak Mandarin, and more than 5000 hours of classroom time. I messaged at length with Alice Liu, the phantom recruiter, and have a dozen e mails that made me comfortable. (There isn't any Alice Liu and turns out this is Madame Liu, the manager of Royal). Also turns out there isn't any Royal English School either, but a broker sub contractor (Madame Liu) operating from her house to place teachers in public schools. Turns out, the operation isn't in Tong Hua either, its a low end little town called Mei He Kou. But those aren't deal breakers for me. Madame Liu says I need to be there now, rush, classes start next Monday. Her mails reassure me, yes, you will teach Intermed and secondary or tertiary students. Yes, will pay you for all the air fare within 7 days of your arrival. Yes, your apartment, western standards, is ready for you. So, I pay top dollar for air fare, extra cost for visa express and get there. No job at all; apartment is worst I have seen in 25 years in China; no re-imbursement "sorry I dont have money, must pay the filipina teachers". So I wait a week in her living room, watching her play Mah Jong with her pals and listen to stories from the other teachers, one juicy one about her requiring a personal evaluation meeting in her bedroom with one teacher from Africa. Oh, there was one bright light, we had dog meat for 3 days for lunch. And I made friends with the rat in my apartment.