Wilky,
I did what you are about to do - I worked to pay for my training and have no debts. I now fly the 737.
I completed the BGS distance learning course - you should be able to coincide the residential part of the course with your three weeks off, and also complete the exams. I did however take off 3 months to complete my professional flying licences, which is recommended.
Nice to see there are still others who have a sensible approach to getting your licence, as opposed to putting yourself into ridiculous amounts of debt.
Good luck to you.