Higher standards? Yeah, right. Perceived higher standards is a more appropriate phrase
Some countries don't accept EASA at all.
If you don't need EASA, don't do it.
It depends where you want to fly. if in Europe, you will need an EASA licence. But many parts of the world accept FAA quite readily, and their system is much more straightforward. Don't forget also that Canadians are quite good at training pilots, too
In fact, their CPL(H) is only 100 hours. The minimum is 155 hours for EASA.
The best thing to do with schools is go and visit them. Don't pay anything up front, except on a daily basis.
Oh yes, also get a second language - Spanish would be a good choice if you want to go wandering.