OP as a US citizen, extending your network outside the USA is probably a good idea. If you want to stay after, it's easier to immigrate having done your educati

OP as a US citizen, extending your network outside the USA is probably a good idea. If you want to stay after, it's easier to immigrate having done your education there both for legal reasons + simply having a network. You will possibly never have a chance to study abroad again. If you don't have a partner or children, I strong consider taking the chance now while you can. Also as a practical matter it's my understanding there's more work life balance in a UK PhD, better pay (you won't get rich but less worry about rent etc) and often subsidized housing. To be honest if I had to choose between Oxford and a top place like Stanford or CMU, I'd take the chance OP. I think in an increasingly global word, you should seize the chance to extend uour network abroad. And on a practical note, doing weekend trips to Paris or Amsterdam instead of Santa Cruz or Vermont is preferable IMHO ;)