[Intrusions] [OT] SANS local mentor for track 3 - experience/suggestions?!?

[Stef]

As I do not deem possible (for the foreseeable future) to obtain any
financial relief for travelling to a SANS conference, I was looking
into getting into a mentor-led program, local to my residence. Has
anybody had any experience with such an environment (11 weeks of 2
hours/ea), vs. the 5-day class? I would appreciate some hints, in
advance to my spending $3K.

TIA,
Stef