PilotPrincess If I wanted to call you a schmuck I would have been more explict like "PP what a schmuck you are".
But as a general point dont do abroad what you would not dream of doing at home.
You would not seriously hand over a few thousand pounds to a complete stranger to build say a conservatory onto your house.
So why do the same with aviation especially in a foreign country.
One rule I have which always comes in handy weather its a plumber I am thinking of engaging or even a flying school. The first lie is always the last lie and any relationship ends. I had a builder quote once who claimed to be in a particular trade body so I looked it up and he was not. So he was out, (claimed he ade a mistake- yeh it was on his headed paper) the first lie is the last lie. I am afraid you have to ask questions which you can verify to find out whether they lie.
Applies to same to flying schools. When you cannot visit them ie they are 2000 miles away extra care is needed. Watch out for bogus or tame references too.