[Gumby]

I learned Italian at Berlitz. The semi private lessons (max 4 people and a native speaking teacher) were 2 hours long twice per week. English is not spoken at all during class and the emphasis is on conversation. There are tapes and written exercises to do on your own as a supplement to the class time. I found it the easiest way to learn. The only downside is that the class moves at the pace of the slowest student. If you have a flair for languages, you may be frustrated sometimes. An (expensive) alternative is fully private lessons where you can move at your own pace.

Many years ago, I learned Spanish "on the ground" in South America. Pretty women were a mighty potent incentive for this student.