The exams take about 6 months to complete and that is because they are so damn difficult. Every person on here who has been through that part of the JAA syllabus will testify to that. I worked harder for those exams than I did for my university degree. Every night at least 2 hours work just to keep up!!
The only good thing you have on your side is your age. You are young enough to come to Europe and take the six months or a year to pass your wriitens and convert your licence.
BUt if you can put up with the american culture( if you can call it that) then I would have to agree with my two colleagues here and stay put
Best of luck with whatever you do.