If you have no experience with the instrument yet, I would suggest attending a music camp first (Balfa Camp for instance), learn with some other players, then scope out the local scene while you're there. THEN take a year to get better on the instrument, and THEN do your sabbatical to Louisiana.
If you're spending your whole time struggling at a beginner level with the box, it might not be the best way to go. You might feel overwhelm trying to cram a bunch of learning in while you're there, and frustration from the pressure.
If you're already an accomplished musician and pick things up easily, that's another matter.