if for a PhD purpose, that is another story, 2-yr prgm might be better than 1-yr prgm coz you have more time to get familiar with your prof. so that they can write you a good RL, besides, if you are doing a 2-yr program, you have more to show in your transcript when you apply for PhD at the beginning of 2nd year.
i talked to LZ before...this guy's idea sounds weird though...after getting a master's degree, he plans to work in the United States to acquire more hands-on experience...then he will pursue a PhD. program...so his first concern is probably about finding a decent job there...