1234,
I am assuming that you are going to EFT for your FI course. There are only two FTO's in america approved to do FI course and neither one of them have visa approval.
EFT works with AriBen Aviator and your I-20 form is issued by AriBen aviator. I bet if you were to tell the immigration officer that you are going to EFT for training and your I-20 says AriBen, they will send you back to Ireland too. If you do not believe me go to
www.ins.gov and search for Chapter 8 CFR part 217 A (iii)
Now you tell me who is more unprofessional (as you mentioned unprofessional and dodgy practices)?
Anyway, good luck with your FI course. You are in good hands, Trevor is an excellent instructor.
Mayday