Mango Languages

Seeing Mango in Action

Seeing the Mango program in action will never get old.

This past weekend, members of the Mango Languages marketing department headed down to Atlanta, Georgia, in tie-dye t-shirts for a Travel and Adventure trade show where we had the opportunity to demonstrate our product to travel enthusiasts and professionals.  This being my first trade show since I started working at Mango, I was thrilled to see the program through the eyes of interested language learners of all ages and backgrounds.  Here are a few things I learned:

1. Age is just a number.

Seeing children walk up to our booth at the show and immediately begin to pick up on a foreign language within a few minutes of a demonstration was phenomenal to see. Also seeing a 70-year-old man, previously convinced he was too old to learn a language, pick up on it within a few minutes is even more amazing.

2. Language is personal.

Hearing stories from attendees about why they wanted to learn a language made me realize just how amazing an endeavor learning a language is. People genuinely want to connect with other people and cultures; whether it’s to feel connected to the rich art history on a trip to Paris or to finally have a conversation with their Spanish-speaking future mother-in-law.

3. People love tie-dye.

We proudly sported tie-dyed t-shirts at our trade show booth. Say what you want about tie-dye; deep down, everyone loves it.

So, what feature do you like the most in the Mango products? Are there new features you would like to see?

Travel Tuesday: A European Love Affair

Most college-aged girls getting ready to study abroad indulge themselves in fantasies of a whirlwind romance with a local, leading to a “happily ever after” in a foreign land. Well, my time abroad did, indeed, yield a whirlwind romance, however it was not with a local and did not require me to stay thousands of miles from my home (much to my mother’s delight). No, this was a romance of a different kind. My European love is actually an American: Rick Steves. Many of you may know of this travel expert from his famous European guide books, or maybe from his PBS television series Rick Steves’ Europe. Before I started traveling, I thought travel books were a waste of money and that I could easily discover a city by simply chatting with the locals. While some of this may be true, it is not always that easy to simply “chat with the locals,” due to many different factors. What I like about Rick Steves’ books is the fact that he takes travelers off the beaten path. He knows the importance of visiting historical sites, yet is able to retain an authenticity to your travels.

Though I studied in France, we used Rick Steves’ travel books in Italy, Spain, and France, at the very least. My favorite part of his books is, by far, the walking tours. Traveling throughout Europe is expensive, and he is cognizant of this. Steves gives step by step directions on totally free walking tours throughout most of the cities in his books, allowing you to see all that there is to see without breaking the bank. One of the most memorable is the “Night Walk” in Rome. Though probably intended as a romantic night stroll, I participated in this guided tour with a group of about 6 travel companions. And let me tell you, the magic was not lost. The tour takes you through Rome at night, glowing under the streetlights. Notable stops include the Piazza Navona, Campo dei Fiori, Trevi Fountain, and a dramatic finish on the Spanish Steps. What I find most fascinating about Steves’ tours is the way in which he gives directions. Rather than instructing with street names, he gives direction by landmarks. For instance, instead of telling you to follow a specific road for 40 meters, he will tell you to follow the road you are on until you see the man on the corner selling roses. Then, turn right. And sure enough, after walking a few paces, you will see the man on the corner selling roses and know that you have reached your destination. It is clear that he is well traveled in these areas and it instills a sense of trust in all those who use his books.

On our last day as students in Aix-en-Provence, France, my friends and I decided to take a look at the Rick Steves book detailing the south of France. Sure enough, we found a walking tour of our beloved city and decided to spoil ourselves with the sights and sounds one last time before returning home to the good ole U S of A. Imagine our shock and awe when we discovered that Rick Steves (affectionately dubbed Rick James by this point, due to his all-around awesome-ness) recounted our daily walk to class. If that didn’t put the past 6 months into perspective, nothing could.

While I do appreciate the value of discovering things on your own (mostly by accident) and utilizing the expertise of locals to create a well-balanced vacation, a little help from time to time can’t hurt. To anyone looking for a nudge in the right direction, I highly recommend one of Rick Steves’ travel guides. So here’s to you, Rick! Thanks for the tips! And if you ever need an apprentice that loves language, culture, and travel, I’m your girl.

What are your favorite travel books? Have you ever had a great guided experience abroad? Tell us about it!

Travel Tuesday: Combining Business and Pleasure

Working in events, I am lucky enough to have the opportunity to travel from time to time for work. Unfortunately, this was not the case for a recent trip to Puerto Rico taken by Jason Teshuba and Ryan Colpaert, our CEO and Director of Sales and Marketing, respectively. The rest of us Mangoes spent the week slaving away at the office while Jason and Ryan spent a week relaxing on the beach in sunny San Juan. Ok fiiiine, I will admit that their trip was not without purpose (and I promise I’m not still bitter). Our two jetsetters made their way to Puerto Rico to attend the 77th Annual World Library and Information Congress Conference and Assembly! The conference took place from August 13-18 and, according to the website, it brings together over 3,500 participants from more than 120 countries. The exhibition portion of the conference boasts over 80 exhibitors with a combined buying power of all delegates estimated at more than 1.2 billion dollars! Needless to say, it was an exciting opportunity for Mango Languages to attend the show for the first time, especially given this year’s exotic location.

Because most of our Mangoes are curious travelers and always seeking out cultural experiences, Ryan and Jason decided to extend their trip and get a little taste of what San Juan has to offer. And being a self-proclaimed foodie, I was most interested in what they actually DID taste. Jason came back raving about his new favorite food, mofongo. A specialty of Puerto Rico, the dish combines mashed plantains with any combination of meat, seafood, and vegetables. Traditionally, the dish is prepared in a mortar and pestle, but can also be made in a food processor, depending on how authentic you want your experience to be. Either way, I will selflessly offer to taste any mofongo you decide to prepare. I’ll bring the Puerto Rican rum.

Aside from food and drink, Jason and Ryan also took advantage of Puerto Rico’s famous rain forests. While in San Juan, they had the opportunity to take a tour of El Yunque, pictured above. Additionally, the guys caught an awesome cultural performance of native dances at the conference, shown in the video below. I’m thinking we should try this out in the office. Nothing like a little choreography to break up the work day!

That, coupled with lounging in the sun, does not sound like too stressful of a work trip, no? That, my friends, is what we call “fundipline.” A combination of “fun” and “discipline,” it is one of our core values we are always striving to emphasize over at the Mango office (and the creation of a new word exemplifies “innovation,” another one of Mango’s core values.. TANGENT ALERT). Work hard, play hard is what we are all about. Rather than fly in and out solely for the show, our Mangoes decided to take advantage of their time in a new and exciting place. I think it goes without saying that I will be joining the guys for the 2012 conference in Helsinki (where we will hopefully indulge in some Finnish sweet bread, called pulla). Until then, adios and hei-hei!

Can you recall a time where you have been able to combine business and pleasure to gain a cultural experience?

Mango goes to DC

Earlier this week Jane (government ambassador) and I visited the nation’s capitol to spend time with a few government customers, give a talk on alternative uses for a library degree (aka librarian gone vendor), and talk to a few potential mango customers.

First stop was Gallaudet University where we stayed. What a cool college…it is the world leader in liberal education and career development for deaf and hard of hearing students. They had a fantastic little shuttle that took us all over the city.

Second stop was dinner at Jaleao…and bonus it was resturant week…. OMG! We had a five course Spanish Tapas meal for a steal! We met some Mango friends and enjoyed wonderful conversation and the ambiance of a national landmark in Chinatown.

Third stop was to be complete tourists and enjoy the city by moonlight. We had both been to DC several times but never have enjoyed the monuments all a glow. We were both in awe of how grand and majestic the city was at night.

Fourth Stop was in the morning of the next day – we had to get some more delicious food. And stumbled upon the cutest little French cafe which transported us to Paris with its Cafe au Lait and Pan au Chocolate (chocolate filled croissant) and enchanting French music.

After we filled our tummies we headed over to the Library of Congress. Now if you are a Librarian this is the mothership of all libraries. I felt smarter just walking in. Jane gave a great panel presentation from a former medical librarian’s perspective and how she came to work for Mango…FYI she now wears a Hawaiian lei and tie dye t-shirt to work!After her awesome speech we had other meetings at the Library of Congress and got to walk in the underground tunnels between buildings and see the reading room on the 5th floor. The business library…it was so cool. It has an art deco influence and had the coolest carvings of owls.

Our last stop for the day was at the National Geographic Society. This was really cool! I am a travel addict and this was travelers dream. Books upon books on languages, places and maps of all around the world. I totally geeked out! They even had an exhibit on Machu Picchu which I hiked back in 2007. It is a beautiful place with amazing building skills. On top of all of that, we got to go to the Explorers Hall. Where the explorers used go to report on their exhibitions. All we could think about was the travels and stories that were shared in that room. Soooo amazing! People like Charles Lindbergh, Amelia Earhart, Jane Goodall and so many more. WOW!

Our last visit was to Rand Corporation where we met two great librarians and chatted about world peace! Lots of great things happening there!

Overall, we had a great time, met some great people and have great memories. What is your favorite thing to do in DC?

Mango Languages featured on Fox 2 News

We are so excited! Mango was featured last night on the local TV news. Check it out our Pirate language course here!

Mango Languages: A Michigan Success Story: MyFoxDETROIT.com

Mango goes to the Bees Awards

Last week, I got the chance to go to San Francisco, California for the Bees Awards.  The awards program honors the best social media marketing practices of the year.

The day started off with a social media seminar that focused on international social media practices. I got to meet Guy Kawasaki who signed my Enchantment book. So fun, I have been following him in the social media space for over 3 years.

In the evening, we all dressed up and moved to the Legion of Honor where the actual awards ceremony was held. Such a great venue, there were statues from Rodin, including The Thinker. Really neat space.

Mango Languages sponsored the student brief section of the awards. We created a project brief and several students from around the world submitted ideas. They were all great ideas. From Facebook Games to cool new product ideas. We actually had a vigorous debate on who should win. Great submissions! We plan on using one or two soon.

I was asked to present 3 awards and to give the student brief winner a check for $2,000. I was so excited to be at the ceremony and all of us had a great time. I particularly liked giving the check. It was one of those huge checks like from Publishers Clearinghouse. That was a first for me! I guess I can literally “check” it off my list now.

What do YOU love most about social media?

Mango Mania is Here! Apply Now

Looking for a way to get to the ALA Annual Conference this summer in New Orleans? You may just get your wish! Mango will be helping sponsor 8 teams in a road rally challenge to get you to New Orleans in true Mango fashion.

We decided to spice it up this year for the ALA Annual Conference and see who the true Mango fans are. We will help teams from across the country arrive at ALA while participating in Mango activities along the way for a chance to win prizes and have a blast.

Requirements:

* Ages 21 and up
* Must be employed at a library or be a board member
* Must already be attending the ALA Annual Conference
* Must plan to attend the ALA Opening Ceremony on June 23, 2011
* 2-4 people per group

Mango Mania Groups will receive:

* $100.00 cash for each group member towards their trip
* Mango Goodies (swag, snacks, etc.)
* Flip Video for Group to document their experience
* Ticket to Mango VIP party
* Fun Mango activities

Prize for Winning Team:

* $2,500 credit toward a Mango Languages subscription (can be split among group members)
* An iPad for each member
* Award for being the Mango Mania 2011 Winners
* Mango Languages Social Media coverage of winning team and their libraries

What You Need to Do:
Go to www.mangolanguages.com/mangomania/ and submit a fun video letting us know why your team should be part of Mango Mania.

Have questions or comments?

Please email me at yana.homutetski@mangolanguages.com

Let the MANia begin!

Ready to GO the distance?

Top Travel Destinations in 2011

Happy Tuesday Everyone!!!

I am very excited to start off our Travel Tuesday Blog! I will now be blogging about all things travel on Tuesdays. Zip up your carry on, grab your passport, lather on that sunblock, and don’t miss your flight… we’re getting ready to travel!

I thought it would be best to get everyone in a traveling state of mind by starting of with the top travel destinations for 2011. A new year brings new reasons to explore the world. And if the world is your oyster, why not seek out the pearls? The top destinations are scattered all around the world. The list includes metropolitan cities as well as new countries. Here are a few that made the cut:

New York City

The beautiful and historic city is always a popular tourist attraction. Along with its 8.4 million residents, New York City has great entertainment, but the reason to visit the big apple this year is because  2011 marks special anniversaries throughout the city. The Statue of Liberty turns 125 years old in October, Carnegie Hall celebrates 120 years with gala anniversary events in spring, and the New York Public Library turns 100.  Also, the city will commemorate the 10 year anniversary of the tragic events of 9/11 with the opening of the National September 11 Memorial at Ground Zero.

Curacao

It’s not every day the world gets a new country. But 2011 will mark Curacao’s first full year as an autonomous nation within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, adding a new chapter to the island’s rich history. Among its first orders of business is making itself more accessible to Americans and Canadians. So be on the lookout for more flights and hotel rooms that will put the island’s warm waters and colorful architecture a little closer to visitors in need of a dose of upscale Caribbean relaxation. New offerings include  Continental airline service from Newark and a new Hyatt Regency set to open in April.

Japan

Easier access by air and land, plus cultural festivities make 2011 a great year to visit Japan. A new Open Skies agreement between Japan and the U.S. means increased collaboration on flight booking and schedules among airlines. Already, Tokyo’s Haneda Airport has opened up to U.S. airlines for the first time ever, giving travelers more central airlift to the city; and nearby Tokyo Narita has boosted capacity in preparation for more visitors. Within Japan, newly extended bullet train routes connect to destinations such as Aomori, known for its late spring cherry blossoms and host of Japan’s largest summer festival, and Kyushu, home to historic sites such as a castle with Ninja-proof walls.

Others that should be on your list are: Turku, Finland, New Zealand, Atlanta, Tallinn, Estonia, Delhi, Gettysburg, and Astoria, Oregon.

So brush up on your Japanese and/or Finnish and get packing.

Where are YOU planning to travel in 2011?

via www.usa.today

Video: Best Trip Ever Mango Languages Commercial

Want to see our product in action and see how you will be communicating with people in a foreign country? Then watch this video! We tweaked it slightly from our launch last week.

What do you think?

Charity: Laptops for Ladies

Mango is proud to be a drop off site for folks who have a laptop that you want to donate to a good cause.

Please help us in collecting used and new laptops. Our goal is to support the technology needs for ladies who are underserved this holiday season by supplying them with laptops. The machines will be given to mothers at Lighthouse and to girls from the Detroit Public School District via Reality Check Detroit. The goal is to inspire them to see the value in literacy, art, and technology.

To see all the dropoff locations visit http://www.laptopsforladies.com/