Frank,
Actually I am, originally, from England. However for the past 42 years I have worked in the USA., My handle "Berkshire" was taken from the Berkshire valley in New Jersey where I used to work many years ago. I am exporting and Importing Solidworks, files with the Pro version. I do not think the lower level personal edition can do it. Your best bet is to talk to a salesman at 3D systems and see what they can do for you. I first started Using Alibre for much the same reasons as you are now. I worked for a company using solidworks, then when I left there, I did not want to pay over $5000 for a licence.
B.E.
The good engineer does not need to memorize every formula; he just needs to know where he can find them when he needs them. Old professor