I wonder if there would be much of a saving by doing as much as possible in the USA/Oz/NZ/SA?
I was thinking of the way an ICAO ATPL/IR holder converting to the JAR ATPL 'only' has to do 15 hrs min IR training. Are there equivalents for the other licence/rating levels?
Lots & lots of variations but, say, get a US PPL, CPL, IR & hour build, then back to UK for a conversion. Given the current US paranoia over all things aviation maybe only the PPL, IR & hour build to avoid the visa hassles?
I suppose you'd have to compare for each stage the airfare/accommodation/living expenses + training costs using whatever is a justifiable exchange rate
Just an idle thought...