Last month, Duolingo CEO and co-founder Luis von Ahn visited London to mark the opening of our new European headquarters. To celebrate, we hosted two events at the St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel: a student-facing session with UCL Students’ Union and a dinner with over 40 higher education leaders. Both gatherings sparked lively conversation about the power of language learning and the role the UK can play in shaping global education.
Meeting the next generation of learners
The student event, held in partnership with UCL Students’ Union, sold out in record time. More than 140 UCL students gathered for an evening with Luis, who was interviewed by Postgraduate Sabbatical Officer Darcy Lan. From his early life in Guatemala to building the world’s most popular education app, Luis shared the personal and professional journey behind Duolingo.
Students heard the origin story of Duo the owl, the thinking behind Duolingo’s gamified design, and the company’s mission to reduce inequality through education. Luis emphasized why he chose to focus on English: “English especially changes earning potential quickly.” His advice to future entrepreneurs was simple: “Just start. Don’t postpone.”
Students asked thoughtful questions about education, technology, and social impact. Topics ranged from the limits of gamification to how Duolingo might foster critical thinking. The evening ended with a “streak showdown” hosted by Michael Lynas, Duolingo’s UK Country Director, where three students with streaks over 1,800 days won Duo plushies to thunderous applause.
Learning from education leaders
As the student event wrapped up, we welcomed more than 40 higher education leaders for dinner and discussion with Luis. Guests included vice-chancellors, program directors, researchers, and policymakers working across the UK’s international education and language sectors.
Andrew Disbury, Chair of the DET UK Advisory Group, led the conversation, introducing Musa, the UK’s first Duolingo Scholar, and welcoming guests with insight and humor (including a demonstration of his impressive Spanish).
The evening featured remarks from Oxford linguist and HEPI researcher Megan Bowler, who shared highlights from her recent study on the UK’s modern languages crisis. Her work calls for a new “linguistic mindset”—a broader appreciation of language learning that extends beyond grammar or vocabulary. As she explained:
“The benefits of learning languages and developing a linguistic mindset are clear. They include critical thinking skills, improved communication, creativity, intercultural understanding and empathy.”
Breaking barriers through access and technology
Luis shared reflections on Duolingo’s approach to equity. Around 90% of monthly active users learn for free, and the 10% who pay—usually wealthier users in high-income countries—help support access for learners everywhere. “In a small way, the wealthy subsidize education for everyone else,” Luis explained. “I like that.”
Discussion also explored how AI is changing the learning experience. Luis noted that most language learners will never speak to another person in their new language—but they will speak to AI. This shift provides more opportunities to practice and build confidence, especially for learners who feel anxious about speaking.
The group also explored Duolingo’s growing presence in the UK. Contrary to the stereotype that people in the UK don’t learn languages, Duolingo data shows that the UK is in the global top 10 for language learning. Among users under 25, the UK ranks in the top 3 globally for learning multiple languages.
A shared commitment to language and learning
From the student Q&A to the leadership dinner, the message was consistent: language learning matters. It shapes how we think, how we communicate, and how we connect across cultures. It builds skills that last a lifetime—curiosity, empathy, critical thinking, and confidence.
We’re grateful to UCL Students’ Union, the UCL team, Darcy Lan, Andrew Disbury, and Megan Bowler for their leadership, insight, and energy. Their contributions helped make these events a meaningful moment in Duolingo’s growing engagement with UK students and institutions.
As we continue expanding our work in the UK, we’re inspired by the conversations we heard in London, and we look forward to what comes next!