SMM:
Most schools will want some money up front as a deposit. Some offer what will seem at first a really good deal if you pay in advance for the whole course. The problem is that once they have your money they have less incentive to train you and prioritise others. The worst case scenario is that the school goes bankrupt while you are training and you are left with nothing. This has happened in the US and in the UK with Trent where even the instructors who had their sons at the school lost thousands.
You will inevitably have to pay some kind of deposit but usually around $400-$1000 to book your place on a course and for books/manuals etc. After that you should agree a payment schedual that ensures that each stage is completed before you pay for the next.
I am sorry to hear that it is so difficult to find sponsorship where you come from but it is not that easy anywhere else these days. It is a wonder any pilots are training at all at the moment as it is so expensive with the returns so poor. I fully understand though your passion to fly and at the end of the day that is the most important ingredient you will need to see the whole process through.
The holiday in Florida with a PPL is a good idea. Again, if you can do it with a JAR approved school the hours and training could count towards your ATPL should you decide it really is for you.
Good Luck.
