</ODRA x THE DORM LAB. Creative Writing: Experimenting with Words>
July 1 — 30, 2026, online
</odra> has become a partner of THE DORM LAB — a new online laboratory for practicing English through ideas, writing, and experimentation with words.

The first one-month program, starting on July 1st, is focused on creative writing and language exploration. Participants will practice English, developing their own piece — an essay, poem, song lyrics, or another format of their choice, with the support of invited writer and project's curators. You can apply here.

About the project & curators
THE DORM LAB is a space for intensive, collective English practice built around personal interests. The project was launched by Katya Ceppel (ODRA founder) and Olga Evseeva (Dialogue speaking & book club co-founder):

"We met at university. Inspired by the idea of the dormitory — a place where people with different background meet and share their ideas together, we've decided to create our own version. In this project, we want the participants to feel like curious students again — exploring, experimenting, and practicing English in a more playful and open way. That’s why we are a dorm, not a classroom.”

The core aim is to create an inspiring, comfortable atmosphere for intensive practice. Katya and Olya will guide each lab, supporting participants throughout the program and inviting guest experts from different fields to share their perspectives.
The program lasts four weeks. The month starts with a personal meeting with the curators to discuss your preferred format and goals, and culminates in a creative mini‑project in English.

This lab is for you if you:
— see creativity as part of your identity or work
— want to speak and write in English about things that genuinely interest you
— seek a flexible, human‑centred approach to language growth
— feel standard courses lack depth or personal connection
— miss the experience of learning, thinking, and discussing ideas with others
— wish to join a meaningful global community of creatives

Your profession doesn’t matter — you don’t have to be a writer or artist. This program is designed for anyone seeking to improve their English creatively.
The opening lab in July will be focused on creative writing: how can we experiment with words in different ways?

The invited expert and mentor of the month is Stephanie Wruck, a writer and gallerist from Brazil, based in Lisbon. Over the last years, Stephanie has been teaching creative English in her project Spiral Room, and consulting artists on their career.

In THE DORM LAB, Stephanie will:
— meet with participants throughout the month, offering creative writing exercises
— review texts, poems in English, discussing it together
— provide feedback on the participants' projects at the end of the program

One-month program includes:
— one individual meeting with curators (Katya or Olya) to define your focus, goals, and final output (45min)
— four weekly sessions with the expert — Stephanie Wruck: lectures, creative exercises, discussions (1.5h each)
— four additional meetings with curators to support your progress and help refine your work (1h each)
— a group chat for sharing ideas, and feedback
— final publication on the project’s platform
— supporting materials: monthly calendar, progress guide, weekly vocabulary lists
— additional reading for deeper exploration

Participation is paid: 20 000 RUB / 240 EUR per month