Hello,
first of all I think you have had a great idea. This is exactly what I have done and it has helped me a big deal. I have met many people through various chat sites and I started chatting to some of them on Skype or other comunication media. I have made really good friends all over the world and I have even met some of them which was usually really exciting.

One forum dedicated to meeting new people and chatting to them is

http://forum.skype.com/index.php?showforum=54

Be careful whom you chose, some people can be real weirdos. Others are great though. I suggest to keep basic security standards such as not giving out your personal information unless you know the person really well etc.
And, that is very important, find a native English speaker - and also from some reasonable place, e.g. people from Scotland (as much as I love them) or New Zealand have very specific accent which is probably not what you are looking for.

Be prepared you might need to try several people before you find someone you feel comfortable with, and whose English meets your standards and requirements.