FastballDad:
If your son can pronounce Mississippi the way you wrote it in your abbreviated version he'll have no trouble at all!
My son, a freshman from the western suburbs, wanted to go south for school and baseball. He selected Memphis and he just loves it...everything... right down to the dry rub ribs at Corky's. But that's him and that's what he wanted to do. And yes, Fungo, he does go bare foot(ed) often.
Conversely he told me of a sophomore that is folding it in and is returning to the Chicago area after this term. This student/baseball player never really liked it much down south.
If you're not certain I would recommend a longer than normal visit to the school or area that you're interested in.
I don't think vaccination shots or passports are necessary but I'd check it out before you travel! Fungo? Any advice?