I know a guy who used them (from Cambodia) and was approved. I was going to use them (applying from US), but I was a bit leary because, as most have said, it is embassy specific, so decided I'm going to go the cooking school route. It is more expensive but more likely to be accepted. Plus, I like to cook, so the cooking classes will be more enjoyable. Finally, that seminar will take you a year to complete. Cooking classes will be over in 6 months.