Right have you nothing better to do than pick, I flown in the states although before I was licenced and with my uncle and we had fantastic weather for out trip, it was great, clear skys little wind friendly and open airfields, a very pleasurable experience. I however would not want to train there, i know that they get serve weather i used to live in the states, it is very easy going flyig out there and for training at least for me I do not feel that that is good. I need pressure to the best and find flying with uk airspace as far more stressful. But I cannot emphasize this enough, this is my opinion and my choice, my route for training. The reason for this thread is so that people can help this chap decide what is the best option for his training, I am not telling him what to do or where to do it, I simply voicing my opinion and what I have found, for me the states wasnt an option for him it maybe. In my opinion I would stay away from states, even though it is fun flying out there and very laid back, however for me i thought that may have an adverse effect on me coming back to england and dealing with english weather and procedures. I also wanted to do the equiviliant of an AB course so i chose BCFT as I could do it all in one place for what i could afford. I am not a spoilt rich kid, i do not have parents who have the £90k to pay for me to go Oxford or FTE or another integrated provider. I had £47,000 all earnt by me, I worked hard after school to get that money and believe that the training i receive at BCFT is no worse or better than any of the integrated providers and think at oxford and such places you only pay for the name. I believe i get more experience on my path but yet again i find my self saying this to avoid repercussions , this is my opinion and my route every one has there own to take, i found this to work for me. I hope you find the route for you.