One word of warning with EASA countries other than the UK - a lot of airlines in the UK require a UK issued EASA licence; meaning you have to have done the exams & skills test in the UK. With regards to the 1500+ hours, this is usually built up by instructing, doing parachute drops, bush flying etc. Type ratings are sometimes purchased by the person looking for a job. A few of my friends had to do that for their first job (usually B737 or A320).
I recommend that you get to your local airfield and take a few flights. Go solo. See if you like it. I know a few guys who started training, but it just wasnt for them.