From Kilkenny to Dubai - life as an Emirates cabin crew in the world's largest international airline, Éabha Sloyan gives her insight on life in Dubai and working her dream job. A graduate from NUIG, Éabha labels her year and a half in Dubai as transformative. Éabha is part of the 200 Irish recruits and this week she is talking about her job that has taken her to destinations like Bali, Rio, and Tokyo. Éabha enjoyed travelling to Batu Caves, Kuala Lumper Inspired by Éabha’s experiences, her sister Doireann has left her corporate job and is currently training with Emirates in Dubai as cabin crew. They sisters grew up in Kilkenny City where they attended Coláiste Pobail Osraí before graduating from college. Tom & Mary Sloyan dune bashing in the desert while on one of their many trips with Emirates Their parents Tom and Mary Sloyan love travelling and also enjoy the fringe benefits of discounted flights with Emirates, which is all part of Éabha’s wonderful employment package. Emirates operated its first flight from Ireland in January 2012. The airline currently offers customers two daily flights from Dublin to Dubai, and onwards to more than 140 destinations. Emirates is the world’s largest international airline, with the largest fleet of A380s and Boeing 777s, that serves a truly global network. Here is a glimpse into Éabha’s dream job… You got a place to do your Masters in primary school teaching in Maynooth. So why did you put that on hold for a job 38,000 feet in the skies? I’ve always had a huge passion for travel and for learning about new cultures and meeting new people. It was while in the classroom, on work experience one day, that I started to think about ways in which I could pursue my passions and that prompted me to apply for a position as cabin crew with Emirates. It ticked all the boxes for me, and I knew a career with Emirates would be the perfect opportunity to fulfil my travel dreams. It hasn’t disappointed to date having travelled to 42 Countries so far and staying in amazing hotels each time. READ NEXT: Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald makes big promise to people of Kilkenny What is Dubai like? Dubai is a cosmopolitan, lively and multicultural city that I now call home. My favourite thing about Dubai is that there is always something to do and whether that’s having a pool day, going to amusement parks, shopping, or trying a new restaurant, I can fill my down time days off with lots of exciting activities. It’s an incredibly safe and fun place to live and I think everyone should visit Dubai, at least once in their lifetime. Éabha mid-air while skydiving on the palm in Dubai Is it difficult to get used to their strict customs? I think there are a lot of misconceptions about Dubai. When I first arrived, I was surprised at just how Westernised the city is and while it’s important to respect the local customs and culture, it really isn’t strict and in fact, there are lots of similarities with home such as the importance of family. Of course, there are differences and I’ve enjoyed learning about the culture of the Arab world and the Emirati states; moving here was an opportunity for me to educate myself more about this Muslim country. Is the training hard/strict? The training lasts for about seven and a half weeks and you learn a lot in this time, as you would expect. All the crew are trained in the highest standards of safety and service delivery at Emirates’ state-of-the-art training centre in Dubai. Learning modules include safety, medical, hospitality, service, and uniform, which are imperative to becoming a professional, highly skilled member of the cabin crew. Éabha and her sister Doireann who has also recently joined Emirates cabin crew training programme Your sister Doireann who has a BComm Honours and a great corporate job, recently joined you. How much influence did you have in that move? I probably influenced that decision a lot! My sister, Doireann, was working in a corporate job in our hometown of Kilkenny before she applied for the position with Emirates at one of their many recruitment days in Ireland. She used to see photos on social media of my life in Dubai and all the new places I was travelling to, and she knew she wanted that lifestyle too. She is currently in training college, and I can’t wait for her to experience life as an Emirates cabin crew member. Dressed in traditional clothing at Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul and at Niagra Falls, Canada You are constantly travelling but when you touch ground do you get to experience the destinations? I am so lucky that at a minimum, I get to spend 24 hours at each destination. After the flight, the crew tends to go out for dinner and the next day we spend some time exploring the city or destination. I have visited places like Seoul, Beijing and my favourite destination so far has been Rio De Janeiro, where I got to spend almost three days between flights. Naturally, we get to revisit a lot of cities to which Emirates flies and each time you can experience something new. As part of the business promotion team, you recently represented Emirates at a Lions vs. Stormers game in Johannesburg. How was that experience? The career opportunities with Emirates are incredible and you get to experience so many new things as a member of the crew. I was delighted to join the business promotion team, meaning I get to represent Emirates at some of its many events and sponsorships around the world, which is a great honour. I didn’t know much about rugby before the game in Johannesburg, but the atmosphere was amazing. My role was to welcome and host guests at the Emirates corporate box. It was a fabulous experience and I hope to get more opportunities like this in the future. What are your top pieces of advice for someone considering this career? Seize the opportunity and be brave in your pursuit of a career that is going to present the most wonderful experiences. As cabin crew with Emirates, you will meet new people, visit new places and learn valuable life skills. I recommend embracing every chance to progress your career with the airline, leaning into the additional training and promotional opportunities that the airline offers. Emirates regularly hosts recruitment days in different cities around Ireland so keep an eye on its website and explore what a career with Emirates can offer you. What do you miss the most about home when you are away? I think it is normal to get homesick every now and then and of course I miss my family and friends (even my dad’s cooking!). I have a 96-year-old Grandad living in Kilkenny (Tom Senior) and I also love to catch up with him periodically. My sister and I are very close, so I am delighted she has joined me in Dubai. Through my work with Emirates, I have made so many new friends from all over the world and from countries such as Portugal, Australia, the UAE, and Turkey. Will you get home for Christmas this year? Yes, I have been working for a year and half with Emirates and this will be my first Christmas at home. I am so excited. I chose Christmas for my priority leave this year so I will have ten days in Ireland to visit family, friends and just relax by the fire. Last Christmas I spent in Dubai with my new friends, and we had a picnic on the beach on Christmas Day which was a very new experience for me – but I loved it! FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS, CLICK HERE