How to study a language in another country?

I am currently learning Arabic at my college. After I graduate, I want to live in Syria for some time to study the language and culture. This has been my plan for a while, but I don't know how to plan or arrange this since the trip is not through my school or anything. Where do I stay? What exactly do I do there? Is there a website or something that can help students plan for living in another country? Approximately how long should I stay there? I was thinking about a year, but that might be too long. What advice would you give to someone in my position?