Organ Donor,
Yes, you are right. There are other options, but so far as the JAA licence is concerned training in Europe is cost prohibitive wherever I go, and language (outside the cockpit presumably) would be a difficulty for me in many places.
As far as I know, the only JAA approved helicopter school outside of the EU is HAI. I've visited four flying schools in the UK, and they all said that if I'm hoping to work in the UK afterwards, but I have to do it abroad re cost, then HAI should be my first choice. (One actually said only choice, but obviously there will be many exceptions to that rule already gainfully employed I'm sure.)
However, I'm always willing to review alternative options, but I felt that training to the JAA syllabus would simplify things greatly. Saving a few grand but making things harder might be a false economy. And I like the idea of the school environment. I know there'll be less exposure to the grizzled oldies, who's knowledge and experience is invaluable, but I believe there'll be great benefit to me of studying around a lot of other people. I'm not quite the spring chicken myself any more, and I think I'm going to need that culture and competition to help it all sink in!
One of the benefits that HAI offers over UK integrated schools is a pay-as-you-go policy. So, if I did find it difficult to get flight time, or the instruction was poor, I could leave after the PPL phase and go to South Africa, NZ or wherever to build hours. (CabAir for example make a point of stating that they'll aggressively pursue for the balance of funds if a student leaves mid-course for (almost) any reason.)
You state there are places where chances of work are better, but that's the information that is the most difficult to find because of course no-one is ever able to make promises (quite rightly.)
I know I'm breaking the "you must use Search for all of your knowledge, young Padawan" rule here, but if anyone really does know a better way, then please let me know. I believe I've examined all the options fairly, but am more than happy to be educated.
Si