rick00001967

hi everyone
i had recently been reading online about the availability of different divemaster training programs. i came across a few places offering an "intership" type program. i have seen some info about places such as roatan honduras, st maarten, mexico, florida etc.
i was wondering if anyone here has any info or personal experiences they would like to share about any interships. i am curious if they are a good way to get that type of training or just a rip off. would a diver be just as far ahead doing the basic course over a couple of weeks or is it better to do one of these intership programs over 2 or 3 months.
obviously the longer programs give you "on-the-job-training" but they are also quite expensive considering the costs of lost work, travel costs, accomodations, food etc. plus it seems that the dive shop is kinda taking advantage of these interns as they are not only making a good buck from training fees but they are also getting free workers to run their shop for a couple of months.
it would be great if anyone who has participated in one of these programs would share their experience. but any other comments about this are welcome as well.