Turtle Whistler - I would agree, especially avoid NAC.
I have been saying that for ages and just recieved a message from someone whom ignored mine and other comments to their dismay!
Be very careful as once you are out there you loose choices as although not locked in with the J1, becomes more difficult and costly to change.
Do your PPl in UK i would recomend or worst case FAA PPl to JAA i agree.