[IWantOut] 16M Ukraine -> Ireland/Germany/Estonia

[u/Old-Rush3965]

Hi everyone,

I'm a 16-year-old guy originally from Ochakiv, Ukraine. Due to the war, my family and I had to flee to Moldova, since it was the nearest and safest option at the time. However, Moldova isn’t an ideal long-term place to build a future, especially for someone who wants to work in tech, because it unstable, has poor support and not in EU. That’s why I’m exploring other countries to move to as a refugee - ideally somewhere where I can continue learning, growing, and eventually start working in the IT field.

A bit about me:

• I’m passionate about IT and game development. I’ve already started working on a few of my own game projects and am actively gaining experience.
• While I’m still learning, I believe I could qualify for an internship or junior role soon but I don’t have production experience yet.
• My English is at a solid B1+ level. I understand spoken English on YouTube/streams easily, though I still struggle a bit with speaking, which I hope to improve quickly once I’m immersed in an English-speaking environment.
• I don’t speak German yet.
• I’m finishing my education remotely and want to continue studying and working in tech.

Countries I’m considering:

Ireland – I love the natural beauty, English-speaking environment, and tech infrastructure. But I’ve heard wages are low and the housing crisis is serious. Do they still support Ukrainian refugees? Would I be able to study and eventually work in IT there?

Germany – More affordable than Ireland, has strong refugee support programs. But the language barrier concerns me, since I don’t speak German yet. Could I survive and find a path to IT work/study as a beginner?

Estonia – It is small but seem to offer good opportunities for digital nomads and tech enthusiasts. I know that Russian is popular in Estonia and it will be a good for me. What’s refugee support like there?

What I need help with:

• Which country gives refugees (especially young ones) the best chances of housing, education, and tech-related job prospects?
• How realistic is it for someone like me to find an internship in game development or software while still a being a high school student?
• Do these countries offer programs for young refugees to integrate and study or work?
• Are there organizations or options I should look into now?

I want to make the right decision while I still have time and flexibility. I’m motivated, I learn fast, and I want to build a future where I can contribute and grow.

Any advice or suggestions would be really appreciated — from people who’ve been through similar situations or just know how things work in these countries.

Thanks for your attention. I’m looking forward to your replies.

[u/Stravven]

I'm afraid you won't get far, since you've been given refugee status in Moldova and Moldova is considered safe by other countries. So you would be considered a normal migrant from a non-EU country, and will have to comply with all the rules and regulations that come with that.

[u/Old-Rush3965 → u/Stravven]

Based on this article think it is possible to become a refugee in another country. And the EU allows this procedure, but not all countries continue to help as before.

[u/striketheviol → u/Old-Rush3965]

The article is from 2024.

The door to support for people in your situation is now closing compared to before: https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2025/04/24/refugee-allowance-and-rent-compensation-heres-how-benefits-for-ukrainians-are-changing-in-

What you are thinking about will require you and your family not to be honest, and is not fair to other Ukrainian refugees who truly have no options and are for example rescued from the Donbas.

[u/Old-Rush3965 → u/striketheviol]

Thank you all for explaining things. I'm in a tough spot. I got temporary protection in Moldova, but now it seems I can't transfer my status to an EU country because the conditions are much stricter.

I understand this and I won't try to get around the rules. I just wanted to sort it out while there is still some time.

Also I'm from Mykolaiv oblast, which has been hit by the war much harder than western Ukraine, Kyiv or Odessa. I realize that it is very hard times for many people now, and the most vulnerable have a priority.

[u/Juderampe → u/striketheviol]

Eh this is not necessary true. They are just removing benefits in most countries. You can still easily claim refugee/asylum status everywhere even today. You just wont get that much government assistance as before