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Hi to everyone, I’d like to ask for advice and would be grateful for any replies. My situation is as follows:

I’ve graduated from the 10th ranked university in Russia, the department of applied mathematics, Diploma with Honors. After graduation I realized that I wish to pursue a degree abroad. And now I have two offers: the first – Erasmus Mundus master course in mathematical modeling in Europe, the second one – Phd opportunity (geotechnical engineering) in TN university in USA. To be honest, I want to become a graduate student in a good university in US (in mathematical department, division of applied mathematics).
What would you advice me? Can I apply for PhD in mathematics after graduation TN and receiving PhD in Engineering? Maybe you’ve heard something about UTK? Or about how is it difficult to enter US university after studying in Europe?

Thanks in advance. I am waiting for your answers.

Absolutely.

Even more, if your final goal is to obtain Ph.D in applied math, I think that having masters in math modeling would be additional support to your application.

Getting a phd you don't plan on using will be a waste of your time. Go for the math one. International students come to the US all the time.

Thanks for your opinion. I appreciate it. But there is one thing that makes me hesitant - almost all disciplines offered in the master programme I have already studied during my education in Russia. I understand that it would be a good intermediate stage between Russian and US educational systems(because in Russia we don't have bachelors and masters, only 5-year "specialists") and great possibility for improving language skills. At the same time I've heard that during PhD study I can choose any subjects and therefore I will be able to extent my mathematical background and outlook.

Generally if you have a PhD in one field, other PhD programs in the US will not admit you unless you have a very very good reason to want both. Getting a PhD in geotech will likely decrease or eliminate your chances of getting an applied math PhD later. If you think you can get the math education you want through the geotech program at TN, that's one thing, but definitely do not plan on going there and then applying for another PhD later.

Thank you very much for this notice. It is really very helpful for me now.