You should definitely go to a Spanish-speaking country to learn Spanish! I am from Ohio, and have studied Spanish at high school. However, in the 2 years I have been here my Spanish has progressed MUCH more rapidly. Plus- there are other factors to consider when learning a new language- stuff that is very different from what you will learn in a controlled environment such as a classroom. Confidence, courage, recovering from making mistakes, embarrassment, accents, colloquilaisms...etc! But if you are concerned about the cost of going to Spain- go to South America! Or even California! So many Spanish speakers for you to make friends with