What the heck is the College of Extraordinary Experiences

https://www.extraordinary.college/

It’s a question I’ve answered a hundred different ways — depending on who’s asking and how much time we’ve got. But here’s the simplest version:

Previously on Shaena: I went to a castle in Poland and came back… different.

Not in a “joined a cult and now I only wear robes” kind of way.

But in the I see the world a little brighter and bolder now kind of way.

Last year, I got to attend something called the College of Extraordinary Experiences — a gathering that’s kind of impossible to describe without sounding like I’m either pitching a fantasy novel or starting a TED Talk.

But let me try:

It’s five days.

In a real-life 13th-century castle in Poland.

Filled with experience designers, creatives, corporate rebels, immersive artists, and curious humans from all over the world.

You don’t just talk about creating meaningful experiences.

You live them.

You co-create them.

You feel them — in your body, your brain, your business.

You might have a workshop in the dungeon.

You might have a dance party in the ballroom.

You might sit by the fire at 2 a.m. having the deepest conversation of your year with a total stranger who somehow feels like family.

Now here’s the part I need to clarify:

YES — you do apply to go.

This isn’t some secret invite-only club. But it is curated.

So, if this sounds intriguing, here’s how it works:

✨ How to apply to the College of Extraordinary Experiences:

1. Read up: Go to extraordinary.college and actually read about what it is, who attends, and what the vibe is. There’s no fluff. Just honesty and magic.
2. Reflect: Ask yourself — Is this for me? Are you open, curious, generous? Do you play well with others? Are you the kind of person who can contribute, not just consume?
3. Apply: Fill out the application here. It’s not about selling yourself like you’re trying to get a job. It’s about sharing who you really are. No need to name-drop. Just show up truthfully.
4. Wait: The organisers review applications carefully. They build each year’s group intentionally — it’s not about how fancy your title is; it’s about the energy you bring to the circle.
5. Get the golden ticket (if it’s meant to be): If you’re accepted, you’ll be invited to secure your spot and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime.

💸 Let’s talk pricing — and why it’s different

This part is so good I’m borrowing from an excellent breakdown by Miguel Neves who wrote an article on the College of Extraordinary Experiences for Skift , and who called the College “Harry Potter meets immersive networking” (and yes, that’s exactly what it feels like).

Instead of a fixed price, the College offers a sliding scale model:

• €2,800
• €5,600
• €8,400

Same experience, same castle, same magic — no tiered perks. The only difference is what you choose to contribute based on your means and mindset.

Why? Because as director Claus Raasted puts it:

“If you pay more and can afford it, somebody else can pay less. That allows us to have more diversity of participants.”

It’s about community over capitalism.

Solidarity over scarcity.

If you’ve ever dreamed of a world where people pay what they can to lift each other up — this is it, in real time.

🎟️ And yes, there’s even a limited number of “fate tickets” — free spots awarded to incredible humans who couldn’t otherwise swing it.

🎭 What Actually Happens?

Without spoiling the surprises…

You’ll be sorted into houses.

You’ll wear costumes.

You’ll attend “classes” with extraordinary minds.

You’ll co-create experiences.

You’ll cry. You’ll laugh. You might even howl at the moon.

You will not leave the same.

Even the goodbye is an experience — from handwritten notes in envelopes to shared rituals that close the circle with as much love as it opened.

Look, I’m just one person.

I went. I loved it.

And it might not be for everyone.

But if it is for you — I can’t recommend it enough. 10000%.

Not because it’s perfect, but because it’s real. It’s weird. It’s wonderful. It’s alive.

And I’ve never felt more inspired, more connected, or more seen.

So yeah — do your research. Trust your gut.

And maybe I’ll see you in the castle someday.

🪽 Shaena

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P.S. If you just stumbled onto this page — hi! I’m Shaena.

I’m a recovering event producer turned professional Wing Woman.

I run the world’s only agency of Wing People, and I work as a connection strategist helping people:

✔️ Place professional Wing People in your event to help attendees, sponsors, and speakers connect more intentionally and naturally

✔️ Build stronger networks

✔️ Design events where connection actually happens

✔️ Find their people — in business and in life

I believe in joyful introductions, well-timed karaoke, and that kindness is a power move.

If that sounds like your kind of energy, you’re in the right place. 💛

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