Re:coding in europe (Score 2, Interesting)

DO COME! I repeat: DO COME TO WORK IN EU!

Sure, the wages here are less than in the USA but do not only consider that part, I mean what's the use of money? To have a good life would be my answer. You can have a good life in Europe not having a USA salary... And also, you can learn a lot from Europe (don't get me wrong, this is not a pride-statement: I meant "from Europe as well as from any part of the world: no less no more but still a lot to learn from"). Your wish to travel in Europe, to visit the countries is a very good idea IMHO: it can only open your mind. I'd also suggest not to stop there (and i hope and think you won't: when you start traveling, it gets in your blood and you can't stop it!)

Here are a few other hints...

First of all, you won't have trouble in finding a computer-science job in Europe (as in many parts of the world), I "searched" a job in France and Spain (searching meaning putting my resume in monster and infojobs and waiting for offers) and had no problems in finding one. With an American masters in computer-science and 4 years of experience... just pick a job.

Now, if you want to visit all Europe you won't have any problem: there are a lot of low-cost airlines (ryanair is the most famous but there are dozens of other companies), there are train-tickets valid in all Europe (EuRail: http://www.eurail.com/). That's quite cheap (I come back from a 2-weeks journey over Europe that cost me around $1000...). As for the vacations, I think Europeans countries generally have a minimum vacation days greater than US (> 5 weeks in France, 4 weeks in Spain, ...). You'll be able to travel!

The language might be a problem in some countries. In Spain and France at least, not many people speak English (I'm not speaking of the job environment but of the daily-life) but well... I know American people here in Madrid that didn't know Spanish at all when coming here and they live fine. Moreover if you want to learn the language of the country you're leaving in that's better! If you want to speak English in the street, I'd suggest you go to Germany, Netherlands and northern countries. If you want to learn a language you can use after your Europe experience (if you don't chose to stay :-)), Spanish would be an obvious great choice... As for the wages/price of life, generally the northern you get, the bigger the figures are.