Go with what agexpert said. If for some reason there is no club in your area and you have absolutely no choice but to try and learn on your own, then electric will probably be your best bet.

Electrics fly a lot slower than glow planes, BUT, and this is a big but, the majority of electric TRAINERS do not like wind much over 3 mph because they are so light weight.

If you have to do it yourself, I would suggest something like the EasyStar
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXFXV0&P=0 Cost about $180 US complete ready to fly - all you need to add is 8 AA batteries for the transmitter.

It is a foam plane (practically indestructable) that is a cross between a sailplane/glider and an electric powered plane. These are easy to fly and if you do need to make a repair, packing tape or some 5 minute epoxy and toothpicks will do the trick. Do not use CA on foam planes unless it says "Oderless" or "Foam Safe" on the bottle - regular CA will disolve foam.