Is merely feeling that my father does not wish for me to study in America—despite his leaving the choice to me—sufficient grounds for me to choose to study in a neighboring Arab country to avoid disobedience?

A believer's eagerness to please his father and avoid anything that displeases him is the habit of a wise believer, because the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said: "The father is the middle gate of Paradise, so if you wish, lose that gate or preserve it." Therefore, it is better to abandon studying in the lands of the disbelievers and suffice with studying in the country your father loves, unless your father gives you the choice, and you are safe from temptation, and you are able to perform the rituals of your religion.