Go to the US for the right reasons, not primarily for the cheap rates.
Here is my story. I did my training in San Diego. I had a great time and was content about the FTO. In the end I spend more than I anticipated. Not because the advertised price was higher of the FTO, but because all the additional costs added up. I had to pay for the flight to San Diego (apprx. 500€ at that time), the sevis fee (silly fee for foreigners who want to study in the US), the visa costs and the tsa fee. All stuff you don't need if you train in Europe (except for the air line ticket, Burt it will be cheaper). In the end I did not finish the course in the 5 weeks I anticipated and decided to come back after a few months (another airline ticket of €500).
Despite the extra cost, I enjoyed the training every single hour and wouldn't have wanted to miss it for the world. Being in the us was a great experience.
Back in the Netherlands, I wanted to start flying at the local aero club (where I still fly ) and discovered that flying in the Netherlands (and europe) was a different ordeal. Maps, RT, airspace are different. I'm very cautious in my behavior as a pilot and had to become confident to fly in the Netherlands. Fortunately I have a couple of friends who fly in the airline business, and I learned (and still am) quiet a lot from them, when flying together. Be prepared to get acquainted of flying in your country. This takes some time (and flying hours).
I fly now for over two years and discovered several other roads to do your ppl for a reasonable amount of money ( probably not in the uk or the netherlands ), which I didn't know of before. I you want to advertise here, but If you want to know some options, PM me.
Therefore go to the US for the right reasons. If you want to finish quickly and fly in beautiful weather and want a great experience of training in the US, go there. If you only want to do it for the lower price, there are also options in Europe to consider.
Only my opinion though...
Last edited by jkveenstra; 29th July 2012 at 05:36.