You could try doing the JAR licence in the states, it may keep the cost down a little...try
www.heli.com. I did mine there and can recommend it. You can also do the combined JAR/FAA route and stay out there instructing. The students from there used to be highly sought after.
I guess you need to consider how you will accumulate the hour requirements to get into SAR and Ambulance work too.
Try the search function too, I'm sure most of your questions have been asked before, so see if any past threads help.
Whichever route you choose, good luck and if I can be of any further help PM me.