Well, having lived in Arkansas from age 6 to 10, I feel obligated to defend the state
First off, make sure that you stay in northern Arkansas, preferably northwestern, where Fayetteville/Springdale is. The people there are not what you expect from Arkansas. Your stereotypical Arkansas hick is probably in eastern and southern Arkansas. I grew up in Fayetteville and I think I turned out ok
Afterall, I am typing this in one of MIT's freshmen dorms
(College rules!) Ok, back to topic at hand. Arkansas isn't a bad place. It might surprise you. Just to be sure to stay in northwestern Arkansas and you should be fine. Whatever you do, don't go southern Arkansas. The weather there is horrible and the bugs will eat you alive. Plus, you get all those "hicks" as neighbors. Good luck!