Do you need to see the person you are talking to?

I am new to italki and skype. I am a native English (British) speaker. I am a male living in the UK.

 

I can read Quranic Arabic but cannot understand the words. I am wanting to learn Arabic, but am at the beginning stage.

 

I am interested in finding out if we need to see the person we are talking to over skype or whether this is not essential.

 

Secondly, I have got the Michel Thomas Starter, Total and Perfect Arabic (Egyptian) courses. I am wondering how long it takes to get to A2 or B1 level Arabic, or what has been your experience in this.

 

Thanks

 

Zaheer