want to learn Spanish so much, being a dream of mine to fullfill either this summer or during Fall (1st semester time)
what would be the best place to go to for an immersion program to learn Spanish that will be most related to the Spanish they speak in the United States?
This is a difficult question and really depends on the person, why you want to learn Spanish, and mostly importantly what you’re looking for in your study abroad experience. You will learn Spanish no matter where you go, but some countries will offer different benefits.
Mexico is the obvious choice because of its proximity to the US and since most Spanish speakers in US come from Mexico. Mexican Spanish "de la calle", however, uses A LOT OF SLANG and a rather unusual accent compared to other Latin countries.
Cuba would also be a good option, if it were allowed by our government. Cubans make up one of the largest ethnic groups in the US and they speak a Spanish very similar to other Caribbean countries such as Venezuela and the Dominican Republic, though with a much thicker accent (though if you can learn the Cuban accent, you’ll be able to learn any Spanish accent).
If it’s ease of learning and general usability of the language you’re after, Ecuador, Colombia, Peru, and some of the Central American countries would be your best choice. It is often said that Colombians have the most beautiful accent of the Spanish speaking countries – though it’s likely just because it’s the clearest and most confident sounding.
Argentina is also a good country to learn Spanish in, but not for the Spanish they speaker their. Rather, it is because Argentina offers many of the amenities of a European country and culture but a Latin American prices. It’s a wonderful country, but the Spanish is very different from what you’ll find anywhere out of the Souther Cone. In fact, they speak a dialect more closely related to Old Spanish than any other country. For a sample check out (http://www.voseospanish.com).
Also, I wouldn’t recommend Spain. They speak very quickly and use phrases you won’t find in any other Spanish speaking country. The accent, once you understand it, is amazingly regular and pleasant to the ear, but the phrases and terms you will learn will sound a little snobby or just weird to Latin Americans. It is also expensive.
Probably the most difficult place to learn Spanish is Chile. It is an amazing country, but it is the fastest and mas cortado accent of all the countries. I have an Argentine friend who says it’s easier to understand Portuguese than Chilean Spanish. If you want a challenge and also want to be in the one of the most beautiful countries in the world, go to Chile, but it is not for the casual learner.