UNLOCK Your Future

Project X

An international collaboration between ICENI Mastermind and The Unlearning Zone.

A 2-week hotel experience in London for 18-21-year-olds available in summer 2025.

A unique programme engaging gifted learners in experiential education.

No classrooms and no coursebooks but learning outside in the real world.

A boutique environment for greater personal attention and opportunities to contribute more fully.

Outcomes include developing awareness, dispositions and skills to live happy, healthy and safe lives. 

Project X Logo
Unlearning Zone logo
By the London Eye

ELIGIBILITY

By Big Ben

ENVIRONMENT

Trafalgar Square

EXPERIENCE

Click to read our brochure for Summer 2025 and learn more about the experience waiting for you

Our Approach

Eligibility

We aim to keep the criteria to a minimum but there are a few basics. You need to be aged 18 – 21 and have a reasonable level of English (B2+). The rest is about agreeing with you that the experience will be beneficial and that you can make a positive contribution. To read about the full application process click here.

Environment

There are no classrooms and no coursebooks on this programme. Instead, for the whole two weeks we spend our time together out and about in one of the world’s most exciting cities. Our accommodation is in a floating hotel, with a social conscience, on the River Thames. Click here for programme details.

Experience

This isn’t a passive experience and nor is it a language course. This programme is unlike any you might have participated in before. It’s about both learning and unlearning, it’s about thinking for yourself and actively making an impact over the fortnight. Click here to start your application.

COURSE DATES 2025

Course 1: Sunday 06 July – Saturday 19 July 2025 (only 24 places)

 

Course 2: Sunday 20 July – Saturday 02 August 2025 (only 24 places)

 

Course 3: Sunday 03 August – Saturday 16 August 2025 (only 24 places)

 

Estera Esti

About Esti

Hi, my name is Esti. I grew up surrounded by inspired educators, and from a very young age I knew I would be joining their ranks. I started off at a UNESCO English project while still at university, then completed my degree and became a school teacher. My professional career took a lot of fun and unexpected turns, one of which was being recruited by the British Council to work for a number of Ministries of Education programmes, mentoring teachers around the globe.

During my travels and decades of educational work I came to realise that academic achievement on its own does not guarantee happiness so I turned my attention to teaching emotional competence and relationship skills.

I am most passionate about working with young people who want to be the change in the world, and who wish to contribute to humanity in unique ways. I am thrilled to be co-creating Project X in London 2025 inspiring, and being inspired by, the young minds of the next generation change-makers. Find me here on LinkedIn.

Jon Crocker

About Jon

Hi, my name’s Jon and I’m very excited to work on Project X with my colleagues from The Unlearning Zone. It’s a learning experience that is genuinely unique and I would love for you to join us.

To give you some background, I have been working with language schools and summer programmes since 1992 in leadership and management positions. Over the last four decades, these roles have included Centre Manager, UK group manager and Principal working with some of the industry-leading educational institutions.

These days, in addition to Project X, I also offer consultancy services to new and existing summer schools and have recently produced training videos on leadership and teamwork for English UK.

If you want to connect with me on LinkedIn, you can find me here.

Iwona Gortowska

About Iwona

Hi there! I’m Iwona, and I have a deep passion for learning and sharing knowledge. You could say teaching chose me – I started my coaching career at just 14 years old, mentoring all the kids in my neighbourhood.

Since then, I’ve gone on to graduate with degrees in linguistics and physical education, and I’ve had the privilege of working with students from all walks of life, from the most prestigious international schools to underserved communities.

What drives me is the belief that when gifted young people connect with inspiring mentors, magic happens. I’ve seen firsthand how transformative these connections can be, empowering students to become the game-changers our world so desperately needs – and Project X is one of such places. Come and see it first hand. Find me here on LinkedIn.

 

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