hi
I am currently training in New Zealand for my CPL(H), the reason i came here was simple, its somewhere i've allways wanted to come and second the cost of the training over here is far less than in the UK.
I will end up by the end of jan with a full CPL(H) @ 150hrs, and i will have mountain, sling and night ratings on the lisence which as i understand it if you train in the UK you will not.
Also if you want to work in OZ they do not have any cross over exams for the lisence from NZ due to the trans-tazman agreement.
Training here including living for 9 months will have cost me in the region of £30-35k, and when you consider that £24K of that is course fees i dont think its too bad a deal.
Dont get too hung up on the whole usa Vs UK thing, sometimes you need to think more laterally.
As for employment the only way i can see to do it is to get your ATPL(H) one way or another and go to the states to find work, its what i am going to do..