I got my JAA licenses before I got my FAA licenses. It's a whole 'nuther ball o' wax and the written tests are a *****.

No Gleim book with all the answers. You can't bluff your way through these. You gotta know the stuff. Not to say it can't be done, but be prepared to work hard.

I cannot vouch for what Mr. Schone says above, but he seems to speak with some authority.

I do know that it is easier to convert an FAA ATP to a JAA ATP than the Commercial/ME. Or at least it was at one time.

Don't think too far ahead and if you want to work in Europe wait until that is closer in your career because rules may change.