Is Going to an Intl EE Masters Program Before a US EE PhD a Disadvantage?

[Cheesedawg]

Intl EE Masters --> US EE PhD

I graduated in '08 from a top 10-15 US school with a BS EE and a GPA of about 3.5 with no formal research experience.

I've done entrepreneurial non-EE related things since then.

I'm now realizing that I want to get at least an MS and likely a PhD, depending on how the MS goes. I'm too late to apply to North American schools for the 2012 starting date.

Please help me evaluate these options given that my goal is to get into a top US PhD program:

1) Apply to a few UK/Intl MS programs and go to best one possible starting in 2012

2) Do some kind of research and/or internship this year and then apply for a US MS starting in 2013

All else equal, I'd rather not wait over 18 months just to start as I'm already 26 and behind schedule. I'd also enjoy studying internationally for cultural reasons.

So will it be a big disadvantage to go to a UK/Intl school and apply for a US PhD after that?

Any thoughts on good match schools to apply to? Imperial seems very good but very selective. Was also looking at King's College, Manchester, and Edinburgh.

 

[Mépris]

I have not even started college yet *but* I wouldn't even apply to a UK program unless:
a) I were from the EU
or
b) I had substantial scholarship money
Actually, for postgrad programs, it's expensive for EU passport holders as well.

Germany, Switzerland and France all have programs you could look into. Why would you think Imperial or King's London would be a better choice than say, ETH-Z? I mean, rankings aside?

 

[Cheesedawg]

I have an EU passport and though money is a factor, I am much more concerned with primarily academics/research opportunities and then location and then cost.