Some people want to and can afford the experience. My experience was great and I even looked up cooking schools in other countries to try in the future. Their prices are similar and in some cases cheaper than other international cooking programs. We learned literally 5 restaurant quality dishes a DAY. They are working with little money and it shows. There were several people in class with me who were not even there for a DTV just to learn Thai cooking. Don’t mind them.
I tried with my business 1st when I went through a visa agent. Once they said there was a possibility they would ask for tax returns, I went another route.
I think it depends on what country you are applying from. I applied 1 month 1 week before departure in NYC. 1 month later it still hadn’t been approved. When I went down to the embassy, they told me they process the applications based on when you say you are departing not when received. They approved me that day.
I recently applied for an e visa (nyc) and on the 30th day I went to the embassy to inquire. They informed me they review the applications by the date you are leaving not in order of received. I would suggest going to the embassy and inquiring in person to get it processed faster. I went and received my approval email the same day.