About Us

Why Patito Feo?

The Journey of Transformation

At Patito Feo, we chose our name inspired by the classic children's tale of The Ugly Duckling. In the story, a baby bird struggles to fit in with the ducks around him, feeling out of place and misunderstood. But with time, the bird meets others like him and discovers he’s not a duck at all, but a beautiful swan.

This story mirrors the experience many of us have when learning a new language. Stepping into a new culture and trying to communicate can feel awkward at first. You might stumble over words, mispronounce phrases, or feel like you're not being understood. It can be frustrating, uncomfortable, and even a little embarrassing—this is the "ugly duckling" phase of language learning.

We’ve all been there. Language learners by nature, we understand the bumps along the way—those moments when you feel vulnerable or out of place. But just like the ugly duckling's transformation, we believe that language learning is a journey of growth, kindness, and connection. It’s in those mistakes that we find the opportunity to be patient with ourselves, and to receive—and give—compassion and understanding.

Patito Feo is not just about learning a language; it’s about connecting with others and experiencing a transformation. Whether you’re at the beginning of your journey or closer to fluency, we’re here to support you through every step. Just as the ugly duckling blossoms into a swan, we believe that through connection and learning, you too will transform.

We hope that in Patito Feo, you find your community—people who are here to grow alongside you, celebrate your progress, and share in the joy of mastering a new language. Together, let’s turn those “ugly duckling” moments into beautiful moments of transformation.

I often look back at my own "ugly duckling phase" in learning Spanish. I knew just enough words to speak awkwardly, but I kept practicing, knowing that with time, my language skills would grow smoother and more confident. Learning a language is challenging, but it’s also a journey of embracing imperfection. It’s a reminder that our mistakes are not failures—they are part of our transformation, helping us to grow, connect, and ultimately find fluency.

-Ty

CEO, Founder of Patito Feo

Tys pic

-Ty

CEO, Founder of Patito Feo

Tys pic