Culinary Internship - J1 Visa as a filipino national

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Has anyone here, specifically a Filipino went under an Internship of Traineeship program under a J-1 Visa in the Culinary Division? I've been meaning to undergo a training in the U.S and I have inquired about different agencies here in the Philippines that provide placement in 4/5 star Hotels. Some asks for $5,500 + $5,000 cash bond OR a Property that is equivalent to $10,000; one company requires $5,000 excluding airfare + $1,500-3,000 for the housing bond but will be given back after a year.. so a total of $8,000. This is a big amount of money and the one that I have yet found the best that's been offered to me is an upfront payment of $5,500 only AFTER getting interviewed and signed a contract with the host company, it is very reasonable. they have told me that I can earn back around $1,700-2,200 a month excluding taxes and other fees that I need to pay such as housing, food and transportation. I wanna know if you've been an intern or trainee.. please, tell me how were you when you were in the U.S for 12 months. Thank you!