I just got back from the airport and heard monthly helicopter hours are down, training and solo as compared to a year ago. Hopefully the economy will pick up.
Do get the info on the J1 Visa as you already have the PPL.
From what I’ve seen over the last several years is four Norwegians came through HAI and taught at the flight school, one went off for logging and fire-fighting. When they went home most of them had 1,000 hours plus. Two definitely have jobs, one might check out in the S-92, another was close to getting a job, and last I am unsure, as I do not have his email address.
Your budget might be a little low, you always need more money than you plan for. You might also need a car and car insurance and a drivers license to get around and track down jobs, pubs, etc.