I'm an American currently getting my MA at a British Uni and would love to stay here to get my (art hist.) PhD. However, I've heard that American universities will shy away from hiring British PhDs (consider the education either too different, or inferior? which is crazy IMO) for teaching. Anyone know anything about this?

This issue has been raised in other threads on here (if I recall correctly....a Canadian student was recently implying a Canadian PhD is better than a UK PhD in order to justify his choice to research in Canada rather than here), and the issue tends to relate to the sciences.

I don't know if there really is a tangible quality difference (as distinguished by a difference in the structure of PhD programme)...but I have a feeling a lot it boils down to protectionism issues.

With respect to the Arts, I've never heard anyone mention a quality difference and I do know a lot of British PhDs who now hold assistant. prof. posts in America.

However, if you plan to pursue an academic career in the US, it's probably more practical to have a US PhD.

Should have done a poll and then make your decision depending on the poll results.

I agree with the previous post - but of course (in arts fields) it also depends what American uni, what British uni, importance of your supervisor in relation to the specific area... Established contacts between institutions can help as well.

i think US system of PhD and the level of competitivness (in academic jobs, issues related to publishing and tenure) are very different form UK or EU. Maybe you will be better-off considering doing PhD from states, if this is where you want to stay.

At least in management, (I am from Asia), the US degree is "perceived" to be the most prestigous.

Of course, getting ANY job after completing will be an uphill battle, regardless of where I get my degree, right?;-)

I hope not, its competitive but should not be an "uphill battle"