Where to apply for a master's degree if I'm a Software Engineer? UK, Czech Republic or maybe Austria?

First I would like to tell about me in 2-3 words
About me:

• Age: 20
• Current occupation: Software Engineer with 2 years of experience.
• Education: Spent 4 years pursuing a bachelor's degree in my home country.

I'm considering moving to Europe for further studies. I recently discovered a language school that prepares students to study in Czech Republic, Austria, or Slovakia. A key advantage is that education in Czech Republic and Slovakia becomes free if you know their languages, whereas this isn't the case in Austria. Additionally, I've heard that universities in Czech Republic assist students in finding jobs during their studies in IT, which is a significant benefit.
If I lean towards UK, I'd likely try to move there within a year. However, for Austria, Czech Republic, or Slovakia, the timeline is longer. I'd first have to spend a year in my country, then move there and learn their language for one year, and only then would I enroll in a university. So I will basically get my Masters degree in 4 years.
Lifestyle & Cultural Fit:
It's very important to me that the country I choose to study in aligns with my values and offers a comfortable environment. I've heard concerning reports about racism in UK, making me question if it's the right place for me. Moreover, even if I were to get a Master's degree in UK, relocating to a country like Czech Republic afterward might be challenging due to the language barrier.
Connections & Networking:
I'm curious about the strength of connections in each country. While I believe UK offers stronger networking opportunities, I'm weighing the risks and rewards of pursuing education there versus Czech Republic. It's worth noting that Czech Republic is becoming increasingly international, attracting many students from across Europe.
My family recommends UK. However, I have reservations:

• My English proficiency is at a B2 level, and I'm not confident about getting into top-tier universities.
• UK education seems costly, and I'm uncertain about my chances of being accepted as an international student.
  

The language school claims that the Czech Republic excels in IT education. But, there's external pressure from friends and relatives advocating for the UK. Historically and culturally, I feel closer to countries that had associations with the USSR, like the Czech Republic or Slovakia. My desire is to live and build a future in whichever country I ultimately choose for my education, as it's important to me to deeply integrate and connect with the place I'm studying.
I've heard of people who studied in France and Germany and faced challenges beyond just academics. Many struggled to integrate due to language barriers, local attitudes towards newcomers, and even difficulty in finding jobs. The inability to establish a strong social circle or make new friends compounded these issues. This lack of social connection can be particularly tough when trying to adapt to a new environment, where stepping out, socializing, and building relationships are crucial for mental and emotional well-being.
About my Interests:
I want to tell you more about myself. I like playing video games, reading books, and listening to music. By profession, I'm a Software Engineer (programmer), and I truly love what I do. One of my hobbies is creating new things: I make video games, telegram bots, and tools. I also do research. Programming is more than just a job for me; it's something that I'm interested in, just like my work in programming.
While I'm usually an introverted person, I've been enjoying hanging out with new friends lately. This is why it's so important to me to be in a place with kind and welcoming people. I want to make friends, spend time with them, and feel connected, socialized. I don’t want to feel left out or different just because I come from another country. I hope to find a place where I can connect with others and truly feel at home.

What I need:

• Insight into the pros and cons of studying and living in these countries.
• Feedback on current perceptions of UK. I've always admired its history and culture, especially from the 19th and 20th centuries, but recent news gives me pause.
  

For me, a welcoming and friendly environment is very important. While I value high-quality education, I'm willing to consider universities that may not be top-tier if they are in places where I'd feel more at home. Notably, Czech Republic has shown promising statistics in IT and software engineering education, which aligns with my field of interest.
Your advice will greatly help me make an informed decision about my future in Europe.

Submitted August 31, 2023 at 05:53AM by funkvay https://ift.tt/Bc7X1At