maybe I should develop my question (and I don't know if this would be better as a new thread, as the answers can be quite usefull to a lot of people):
I will be in the UK only for a couple more years, before going back to Brazil.
I've been always involved with wild camping, have been a boy scout's chief, spent some time researching indigenous peoples, made some knives, some sundials, have learnt the basics of cattle work in gaucho ranches in the South American grasslands and have been around pretty much. I actually choosed anthropology as my profession because I wanted to be outdoors. Now, as I finish my PhD, it becomes even more clear that I have to made new choices, because although I can be a scholar, I would prefer something more "hands on" on life, if you know what I mean.
When I first got here, I was quite happy to learn that all that I was involved and interested with has been put under a name (bushcraft), and actually had quite a tradition. This meant courses, books, forums, and lots of people to talk to and to learn from (thumbs up for this forum and the one on britishblades).
As I don't have a lot ££ available, I am trying to decide for the right shot, the best way of parting with some money and having the most in return.
As now I thought a few possibilities:
The woodcraft school instructor scheme: one year, seems very good, I would go back to my neck of the woods with a sound knowledge, but is too expensive (£4,000 for overseas students)
Concentrating on specialty courses, for instance doing one in bow making, one in friction fire lighting (already did that one with Dave Watson), one in tracking. The idea here would be getting the harder details right, and I would have the work of putting it all together.
Concentrating on doing a one week introduction to bushcraft. Good point is that I would develop a good foundation, on top of which I could build.
I know there is a lot of people here with a lot of experience, even instructors, and I would really appreciate if you give me a tip. What would be the best way to gain sound bushcraft knowledge? Something that doen's break the bank, but that would make a difference if I decide to try to make a living through bushcraft in Brazil. Or, in the worst hipotesis (which is by all means still quite good), something that would provide me with lots of knowledge and contentment every time I spend a couple of weeks in the woods or plains of South America.
Cheers,
Luciano