What is the worst that can happen if you try it? It is a waste of time? What is the upside, feeling less SUI and less SI?

The upside, from here anyways, looks better than the downside.
If school is offering it--take it!!

If you were to pay out of pocket it , one 6 month stint is about $2500. I know because I was considering it, still am. So if you have the opportunity to do it on the cheap or free, don't pass it up.