Ryanair are certainly well disposed to self-improvers. There was a trend to go to established schools, but sometimes their output from can be questionable. The concern was having to make people unlearn bad habits, but one thing self-improvers do have is motivation.
Nothing wrong with doing an ICAO qualification then converting, provided immigration is sorted out. I don't know where you plan to study but I can recommend Harv's Air Service in Steinbach Manitoba (not far from Winnipeg). On average 265 clear days a year around there, so few weather problems.
Who knows? You may like it and not bother with EASA at all
