I have learned a foreign language, used it in my work for more than 20 years, retired, and taught it at two universities.
There is no better way to learn a culture than to learn that language. The danger is the teacher. One can teach in order to impart understanding of that foreign culture or one can teach to convert to that foreign culture.
I think Arabic teachers who are muslims would do their damnedest to convert and subvert.
But if one wants to learn, one could be careful to choose a good teacher. I like the Pimsleur Arabic CDs, ten for $40 at Barnes and Noble and they walk you through the ropes, reinforcing at every step.
I just bought the Pimsleur set. It was at Waldenbooks for under $40. It is going very well so far, which is to say it is clear as a bell. This seems to be the ticket.