Lots of clubs offer free classes to assist you in studying for the technician class exam. Look for an ARRL affiliated club in your area. There are also a number of online resources such as www.arrl.org as previously stated offering practice exams using the real question pool. Inexpensive study books are also available from the ARRL, Radio Shack, and www.hamradio.com . As far as talking around the world, it is possible to do it inexpensively if you build your own equipment. Also, older equipment is out there at good prices. In general, your band privileges are limited with a technician class license. In order to access the big band openings on HF, you will want to upgrade your license level to general class.

I'm big into 2 meter communications myself which is largely based on on using local repeaters with anywere from 25-100 mile range. The equipment is very inexpensive and the people you meet are local and generally very friendly. That core group can help you move your way up the licensing ladder into HF bands and other capabilities.

Craig.