Hi,
The PPL is the Private Pilots Licence........ it is (bar a NPPL) the first in a lne of licences which are available.
Current PPLs are JAA (i.e. European) altough some people still have CAA (UK) ones.
Fully PPLs can be used in USA, but expect a check ride with an examiner when you get there, you will also in line with here need curreny medical etc etc.
There is loads of information on this website about licences and getting started, have search on the search function and see what you can find.
FW