Mark, see this guy's website. He says the best way to learn a foreign language isn't by taking classes but by doing to by oneself with audio books, don't learn grammar as that will come naturally, instead focus on speaking & reading aloud. He supplments it with flashcards. I've been living in SE Asia for 13 yrs and havent' pushed myself to learn Malay because I always thought I needed to attend a class. Anyway, I'm now learning on my own and making progress. It just takes dedication and hard work. I think I've taught myself more any class did. He recommends a bunch of good Spanish / English guides. Unfortunately there aren't any for Malay. See http://www.micheloud.com/FXM/LA/index.htm