Here are the links to the Arabic Introductory (first two CDs of the Beginner course) Beginner and Advanced versions. Here are the links to the Spanish Introductory, Beginner and Advanced versions.
The software is audio based and is available via CD (although you can very easily make MP3s). The instructor provides some grammar instruction and other tips along the way, but the focus is really on dialogue. Essentially the instructor will say something like "how do you say: "I am working tomorrow"? You would then reply in your target language. For example , in Dutch I would pause the CD and say "Ik werk von morgen". You then play the CD and one of the students replies. The instructor then provides feedback and repeats the phrase in the target language. It's quite simple, but very effective. I have learned a lot about Dutch vocabulary and grammar. The only disadvantage is that the instructor doesn't always go back to review vocabulary and grammar previously learned. Otherwise, it's great.
I think because there are 1. So many folks applying from around the world. 2. They have to find a fit for you in the program. 3. They are picky about who they let in. I have two friends that did not get in. I was accepted at UNISA July 2009. I love it so far. You are on your own. I will tell you that. It took me almost a year and a half to get in. I have a dissertation coach ( I pay for) and that helps a ton. I have turned in my first three (rough) draft chapters Sunday to her. They will then go to my committee. I have two members of my committee (because my topic is so specialized in American History, I had to have a committee member here in the US) that will be there until they deem the dissertation ready to be looked at by four experts in my field. Then the dissertation gets tossed back and forth until it is done. I am looking at December 2012 to be finished.
