Mango Languages

In the Mangolight.

What is round, delicious and read all over? Mangoes of course.  Check out what libraries like yours are saying about Mango in the news, online and in print.

Mango bears fruit of fluency
Five area colleges plan to create a Foreign Language Institute on Missouri State University property.

Is there a smart card in your wallet that keeps on giving?
Two-thirds of Americans have a library card in their wallet but most don’t realize all of the free stuff they can get because of it or how much money it can save them.

College student gadgets & patch buddies deal
Colleges and universities are gearing up for parents’ days and family weekends. Do your kids have everything they need?

Speaking volumes: Arg! Prepare for Talk like a Pirate Day
Arr, mateys! Sept. 19 is International Talk Like a Pirate Day, and we be celebratin’!

Freebee Friday: Lingua Digita
A library card is good for more than taking out books these days because you can use Mango’s unique and innovative online language learning course via many local libraries.

Mango Languages leaps forward on Inc. Fastest Growing Companies list
The expansion of Farmington Hills-based Mango Languages over the past three years is nothing short of amazing.

Mango Shows Love for Academic Clients

September is here, which means “back to school” season is in full swing.  We’re delighted to say more and more college and university libraries are using Mango – some to supplement a smaller language program, others to assist ESL or study abroad students, and many simply because Mango is a resource with broad appeal.  Mango benefits students, faculty, alumni, and campus organizations alike.  Check out the video below to learn more.

Ready to get your school started?  Click here to set up a free trial, sign up for an informational webinar, read case studies, and much more.

An (Educated) Argument for Language Learning

Let’s be honest: being a college freshman can be pretty overwhelming.  In between all of the important decisions to be made (Which associations should I join?  Can I find a mentor?  Should I pursue research opportunities?), it can often be challenging to fit in everything a student wants to do.  But one part of the higher-level education experience that we don’t think anyone should forgo is the opportunity to study and gain skills in a foreign language.

Of course, we’re clearly biased.  So in true academic style, we’re going to lay out our supporting arguments for why we think you should make language learning part of your educational experience.

1)   Increase job prospects and get an edge on the competition.

Knowledge of a foreign language not only increases the number of jobs you qualify for, but it also helps you stand out from the competition – even for jobs that don’t require bilingualism.

2)   Open doors to international opportunities.

Ever wanted to join the Peace Corps?  Volunteer for an overseas Habitat for Humanity project?  What about an international mission trip?  Or perhaps you’d like to teach English abroad?  Knowledge of a foreign language opens the door to a wealth of experiences and opportunities.  Don’t miss out.

3)   Study works in their original form.

We all know that nothing compares to studying a work of literature, poetry, or song in its original form.  Having an understanding of the language provides you with the ability to pick up on tone, voice, and other literary nuances that you likely wouldn’t be able to appreciate if studying a translated version.

4)   Be awesome.

Let’s face it.  Speaking a second language is just plain cool.  Being able to say that you’re bilingual not only impresses friends and colleagues, but also provides you with a greater understanding and appreciation for foreign cultures.  This knowledge will benefit you both academically and professionally, and also opens doors to incredible adventures.  Being able to travel without language barriers allows you to venture off the beaten path, bond with locals, and essentially have the trip of a lifetime.

So we know you may be thinking, “sure, this all sounds great…but how am I going to fit this in to my busy academic calendar?”  We know that it simply isn’t realistic for every student to invest in a full-time foreign language course.  Well here’s the good news: Mango offers instruction in over 40 foreign languages, and it’s available anytime, anywhere for free through most libraries in the U.S.  Log in from home, on campus, or even from your smartphone.  Mango is designed to teach you practical content that you’ll actually use in the real world.  So ask your college library today if they offer Mango Languages.

For more on how Mango Languages can benefit academic institutions – or to sign up for a free trial – click here.

Mango Languages: Academic Libraries Love Mango

Why should public libraries get to have all the fun? Did you know that Mango Languages is available to academic institutions, as well? Check out these case studies below to see how these colleges and universities are using Mango to help their students start a conversation – and keep it going.

Troy University Librares: Making language learning part of campus life

Mango Languages, in use at Troy University since 2008, has helped bridge the gap to give hundreds of international students access to an English language learning resource they can use as needed, and prepare students and professionals for international travel. As Mango is accessible over the internet, users can log in and practice from home, using their computers, tablets or the iPhone and Android apps- giving them the ability to practice and improve their skills on their own time.

Pittsburgh State University: Giving a university library new value for students and staff

“I love Mango—it’s one of our most-used databases and it gets people talking about the library. It’s not a typical purchase for us since it’s not focused on research, but it allows us to promote the library to the wider university community, since it’s something everyone can use.”

-Susan Schreiner
Pittsburgh State University, Leonard H. Axe Library

Hope International University: Global vision, global resources

With students traveling across the world for mission trips, including many to countries speaking less commonly taught languages, Mango Languages at Hope allows for the university to support students and provide them the resources they need without a large foreign language department.

Maybe the most important and valuable use of the language learning software at Hope is with its large Korean exchange student population. Mango gives these students a way to practice their spoken English and refine their skills, as well as adding helpful cultural tips and advice, that make their transition to an American university as smooth as possible.

Jackson State Community College: Language learning an “ace in the hole” for the college library

“Mango is my ace in the hole—a strong promotional tool for my library because it’s fun, inviting and useful. As a former language teacher myself, I’ve been extremely impressed with its methodology. Mango staff go above and beyond in working with us to make sure our needs are met—and the free promotional resources are fantastic!”

-Scott Cohen
, Jackson State Community College

Spanish is the only foreign language class offered at Jackson State Community College, but, thanks to Mango Languages, it’s just one of over 40 foreign languages available to students. Within the next few years, the college will launch a study abroad program, with the library—and Mango—playing a vital role in preparing students for the language and cultural needs of living in a foreign country. Particularly at a small community college, language learning truly can open up the world for students.

Want to learn more about what Mango can do for your academic institution? Sign up for a webinar below!

Mango Languages: an A+ Resource for College Campuses

Fact: libraries love Mango, and Mango loves libraries.  But when it comes to our academic clients, we’ve found that Mango’s broad appeal makes it a hit not only at the library, but with many other programs as well.

Here’s just a few of the on-campus programs that Mango can benefit:

Career Center:  As a professional development tool, Mango can help students and alumni build in-demand language skills for the job market.

Study Abroad Program:  Mango prepares students for study abroad, volunteer trips, or international internship programs.

International Student Programs:  International and foreign exchange students benefit from Mango’s large selection of ESL (English as a second/foreign language) courses.

Alumni Association:  Alumni Associations can offer Mango as an attractive membership perk.

Faith-Based Organizations:  Mango can help members prepare for international missionary or volunteer trips.  Also, our specialized religious courses appeal to those who wish to explore Biblical texts in their original language.

So whether preparing to study abroad in China, trying to learn Spanish as a resume booster, or helping international students acquire practical English skills, Mango is the go-to resource to help students, alumni, and even faculty succeed in their mission to learn a foreign language.

To learn more about how Mango Languages can benefit academic institutions, click here.