Experience w/ U of MN Dive Program?

[Trinkett]

Heh, I still haven't dove out here since I moved.  The idea of coooold water is a little scary, although I know I should test it out .  I was actually looking for a good class for my husband.  We're going to Greece for our honeymoon in September and he wanted to get certified before we went. 

We've checked out a class at the U once so far but that was last year or so.  Haven't really looked into it since then.  When I got certified it was through a University program out in California, and I really like the format of a college course (but then again I was enrolled at the time so it was much cheaper).  There was also a course through a local community college with a great instructor there as well.  My only concern with the U class is the cost, but I think, after looking at a few dive shop sites, that the cost is going to be pretty close to the same whether we go through the university or through a dive shop.  Also, since he's new to this whole thing, he wanted me there while he was learning (which I could probably do if I can convince Bob to let me help out with the pool sessions of the dive course).  Not sure I'd get that option at a dive shop.

So I'm just looking for options really.  Thought I'd check to see if anyone had info .  Didn't mean to appear tricky ^_^.

Thanks for the post, Beeger.  I've always like the University format, although when I did it, it was a full semester long, not just 7 weeks.  But that may be the best I can actually hope to get out here from a University, not sure.  I know this is longer than you get at most dive shops.

Anyway, thanks for the posts and the help .