Celebrating LanguageBird’s 10th Birthday: A Message from Founder & CEO Dr. Karyn Koven

Ten years ago, I embarked on a journey to change how students learn languages. LanguageBird began as an idea born from my own experiences as a college counselor. I saw countless students struggle to connect with their language studies—uninspired by textbook-driven classes and disconnected from real-world communication. I knew there had to be a better way to learn, one that celebrated conversation, culture, and personalization.

The concept was simple: make language learning personal, interactive, and alive. What if students could connect one-on-one with expert instructors who not only taught the language but also shared their culture and passion? From that vision, LanguageBird was born—a platform where students aren’t just memorizing vocabulary but engaging in meaningful conversations with native speakers. I remember our first student and the first lesson, feeling both the excitement and nerves of something entirely new. When that student finished the course, confident and proud, I knew we were onto something special.

A Decade of Growth and Milestones

Fast forward to today, and LanguageBird has grown beyond what I could have imagined. We’ve served over 8,000 students across the globe, helping them connect with new cultures, achieve academic success, and gain practical communication skills that go far beyond the classroom.

We started with just a few language offerings, and today we proudly teach over 15 languages, from Spanish to Japanese to American Sign Language. Our offerings have evolved, too, from one-on-one instruction to group conversational lessons like our Chirp Room and specialized tutoring and test prep sessions. With the addition of our Global Seal of Biliteracy pathway, students can earn recognition that goes beyond AP scores, validating their ability to truly communicate in a new language.

Our teaching team has grown from a small group of passionate educators to a global network of instructors who are experts in their fields, dedicated to fostering not just language skills but cultural competence and global awareness. We’ve gained accreditations from WASC and Cognia. Additionally, we are the only language program of our kind accepted by the NCAA. We’ve also partnered with numerous schools, organizations, and communities who see the value in offering personalized language learning.

Impacting Lives and Building Community

LanguageBird’s impact goes far beyond grades and transcripts. We’ve seen students gain confidence, develop lifelong interests in other cultures, and become more prepared to navigate an interconnected world. From earning the Global Seal of Biliteracy to being accepted at top universities, our students’ success stories inspire us every day.

Our instructors have also found a community where they can share their passion and expertise while making a tangible difference in students’ lives. I am incredibly proud of the team we’ve built—individuals who care deeply about language education and are committed to making each lesson meaningful and engaging.

Gratitude and Appreciation

None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of our students, families, and partners. To our students and their families—thank you for choosing LanguageBird and trusting us with your language journey. To our instructors—your dedication and passion fuel our success. To our partners and school administrators—thank you for seeing the value of innovative, personalized language education. Your belief in our mission has helped us grow and thrive.

Looking Ahead: The Next 10 Years

As we celebrate a decade of LanguageBird, I am filled with excitement for what’s to come. We are on the brink of launching MyLanguageBird, our own custom platform designed to enhance the learning experience for both students and instructors. With new AI-driven features and enhancements, we’re committed to making the entire journey smoother and more personalized for everyone involved.

We’re also expanding our focus to adult instruction, as our students move on to college and we see increased demand from corporate partners and lifelong learners. We’re exploring ways to support professionals who need language skills for work, travel, and personal growth.

The next decade is all about leveraging innovation to keep leading the way in one-to-one, personalized online language learning, while staying true to our commitment to human connection and cultural understanding. We can’t wait to share more surprises with you along the way!

Join the Celebration!

We’d love to hear your LanguageBird stories—how has language learning impacted your life? Share your experience on social media with #LanguageBirdTurns10, or submit a testimonial for a chance to win a special 10th birthday HydroFlask water bottle!

A Heartfelt Thanks

This milestone is about more than just numbers—it’s about the relationships we’ve built and the lives we’ve touched. I am so grateful to everyone who has been part of this journey. Language learning continues to be more important than ever, and we are committed to keeping it personal, engaging, and transformative. Thank you for being part of the LanguageBird family—we couldn’t have done it without you. Here’s to the next decade of flying forward together!