Birky
Listen mate.......any school you go to is going to have problems.
A year ago I was in the same boat as you....questioning and judging before going out and trying.
EFT has good points and bad points
OBA has good points and bad points
OFT has good points and bad points.......
standard pattern?......definitely!
If you do choose to do your training in the USA you're probably going to go to one of about five flight training schools if you're serious about becoming a pilot......when you are up there, whether it is in a brand new glass-cockpit Cirrus......or a banged out, seat of your pants 172 (like N53797.....my solo plane!)......you are going to have the time of your life......and trust me, when you come back, you are going to complain about your school; and the staff; and the cars; and the roads; and the food; and the TSA and their fingerprinting; and all the other bullsh*t that comes with training for the best job in the world.
Sincerely Birky, best of luck with your training.....enjoy every minute of it!