Winter 2027 · International editions
A supervised residential study week in Italy for students aged 10 to 17.
Six days of study, focus and confidence-building, with supervised travel from London, full board, daily parent updates and long-term online tutoring.
For many students, it is a week they remember for years. They work in small international groups, using their own schoolbooks to practise the Three Dimensional Reading method. Mornings are reserved for presence work. Afternoons are spent in the hills around Varzi.
Is my child supervised?
24/7 supervision by a named residential team, including overnight cover and a designated safeguarding lead.
Can I contact you?
Daily WhatsApp updates from the team, an emergency contact route during the week, and a named UK lead for the duration of the programme.
What's included?
Return flights from London, full board, all programme activities, and four weeks of online follow-up. £4,160.00 (includes VAT).
Safeguarding, supervision and care
Safeguarding comes first. Before everything else.
Sending a child abroad for a week is a serious decision. Below are the people, checks and procedures in place for every edition. The full policy is published on a dedicated safeguarding page.
01 · Designated Safeguarding Lead
Valentina Martinelli
Named DSL — the single point of authority for any concern, with Anna Conte as Deputy DSL. Every staff member reports directly to her, the same day.
02 · Safety over privacy
A child's safety always comes first
A child’s safety always comes first. Confidentiality matters, but it is never absolute if a child may be at risk.
03 · Vetted, known staff
Staff are known, trained and vetted
Residential staff are known to CYL before they join a UK edition, and complete the criminal-record checks required for their role. UK-based staff complete DBS checks; Italian staff are checked through the Casellario Giudiziale, the Italian equivalent of the DBS check. All checks are reviewed annually.
04 · Three-level response
A defined triage protocol
Every concern is triaged — Mild, Significant, or Immediate Danger — with a defined action chain ending at the DSL the same day. Staff do not investigate concerns independently.
05 · Professional boundaries
Code of Conduct, signed
Private messaging between staff and students during the programme is prohibited. One-to-one conversations happen in open, visible spaces. Every staff member signs the Code of Conduct on appointment.
06 · UK liaison & emergency chain
Named contacts, both sides
Mattia Francesco Rossi is the named UK operational contact on site. Diana Mancigotti handles UK parent enquiries off-site. The local emergency chain — 118 medical, 112 police, police of Varzi — is documented on site.
This is a summary. The full policy — including referral procedures, low-level concerns logging, medication protocol, and information-sharing standards under GDPR — is published in full on the dedicated safeguarding page.
Meet the residential team
The people your child will see during the week.
Six members of staff are responsible for the UK edition. Here you can see who they are and what each person is responsible for.
Valentina Martinelli
DSL & Head of CYL Italia
Designated Safeguarding Lead. The named point of authority on welfare for every concern, throughout the week.
Anna Conte
Deputy DSL & instructor
Deputises on safeguarding and teaches alongside the lead instructors throughout the residential week.
Mattia Francesco Rossi
UK Lead & primary instructor
Leads the UK edition end-to-end. Teaches throughout the week and is the named UK operational contact on site.
Giacomo Gregori
UK-specialist instructor
Method instructor working specifically with the UK cohort, trained in temporary crisis containment alongside the DSL.
Diana Mancigotti
Parent contact (off-site)
First point of contact for UK parents before and during the programme. Reaches the residential team directly at any time.
Filippo Rossi
Founder & method lead
Author of the Three-Dimensional Reading paper. Teaches core method sessions and supports the senior team where needed.
All staff working with students under 18 complete the criminal-record checks required for their role, reviewed annually. Under-18 helpers, where present, never carry supervisory responsibility and remain under adult oversight at all times.
01 · How it works
The Kindle journey, step by step.
Kindle is built in three phases: the residential week in Italy, four weeks of structured practice at home, and ongoing access to the tutors after the week. The week is the beginning of the learning journey — the 4-week practice is what makes the method stick.
6 residential days
At Borgo del Monte Antico
Six days at Borgo del Monte Antico, with staff present throughout. Your child will work on books of their choosing, in small international groups, with instructors alongside them across the week. Mornings are dedicated to focus and presence practices, and in the afternoons, they learn the Three-Dimensional reading method. Evenings are spent with the group. By Wednesday, most students naturally begin to find their own rhythm without needing constant guidance.
The consolidation
4 weeks of structured follow-up
A week alone isn’t enough. Coming home, the method needs reinforcement against the routines that were there before. For four weeks, the child can schedule online sessions with the tutors, set practical assignments and receive customised feedback — so what was learned in Italy gets used at home, on next term’s homework. Most parents notice the difference within this period.
Ongoing tutoring
Ongoing support after the residential week
The questions do not always come during the week itself. They often appear later, during a difficult term, before GCSE exams, or when a student is making decisions about university. The tutors remain reachable afterwards by 1:1 sessions on Google Meet, email or message. Many students come back again as staff member. Some stay in contact for years.
The location
Varzi, in the hills of northern Italy.
Two hours from Milan, an hour from the sea. The week happens here, not in a hotel — at the Borgo del Monte Antico, a residence dedicated to the programme.
The week's schedule.
Click any activity to see what happens during that part of the day. Meals are included too. Food is served four times a day, with Italian dishes and much of the produce sourced from the Borgo itself. The grid opens on Wednesday, when the full daily rhythm has usually settled.
A WEEK AT THE BORGO
Six days at Borgo del Monte Antico.
Learn smarter. Grow stronger. Live with confidence.
Live atmosphere
03 · The method
How the method works.
Students use books of their choosing. They learn how their mind works and how to focus, and as a natural result, they begin to read significantly faster. However, the real aim is deeper attention, stronger comprehension, greater confidence, and most importantly, a genuine joy for learning.
CYL calls this Three-Dimensional Reading. The method works with reading, concentration, and the role of the body while studying. It is a neuro-educational method, not speed reading.
Since 2016, the method has been taught to more than 9,700 students across six European countries. Its scientific basis is set out in a paper by the founder, Filippo Rossi, for The Bridge TTMT.
Body & presence
Why Qi Gong and the Meditation of Presence.
Each morning begins with Qi Gong and the Meditation of Presence, before any reading takes place. The aim is simple. To help the body settle, and to make attention easier to find.
Qi Gong is twenty minutes of slow, deliberate movement coordinated with the breath. The aim is to help students develop sensitivity, presence, and attention through every gesture, while learning how conscious breathing can improve focus, regulate emotions, and create mental clarity.
Meditation of Presence is the next step. Twenty minutes of sitting and attending — no mantras, no spiritual framework, no asking the mind to be empty. Just the practice of noticing what is happening, gently, again and again. It is the foundation of attention. And attention is the foundation of everything else this week tries to teach. The practice is secular and provides students with a way to re-centre their attention whenever it drifts.
Some students continue using these exercises at home. Often it is in small moments: on a bedroom floor, before homework, or in the few minutes before an exam.
Qi Gong, every morning
Meditation, every morning
From Wednesday to Sunday
The food
What is on the table, four times a day.
The food at the Borgo is part of the programme. 100% Italian, of high quality, and largely self-produced: vegetables and herbs come from our own greenhouses, fruit from the orchard, eggs from the henhouse on site. The bread, the pasta, the seasonal vegetables — all prepared in the residence kitchen, by the staff, every day.
This is not a hotel buffet. It is four real meals a day, eaten together at proper tables, with what the season offers. Children who arrive picky leave eating tomatoes, oranges, focaccia, soups they would have refused at home a week earlier. Some parents tell us those habits continue at home.
Allergies and dietary requirements (vegetarian, gluten-free, lactose-free) are confirmed in writing before the programme begins, and accommodated in full.
Italian, high quality
Greenhouse, orchard, henhouse
Eaten together
04 · What changes
What parents notice after the week.
Parents usually write to us after the residential week, or leave a review later on. These are the changes they mention most often.
In how they study and use their phones
Parents often notice less resistance around homework within a few weeks of returning home. Students use the method with their own schoolbooks, sometimes without being reminded. Some parents also notice less phone checking during study time.
In how they handle pressure
Exam periods are still demanding. What parents describe is a change in how their child approaches them. They read with more focus, comprehend the page, and spend less time rereading due to worry.
In how they see themselves
Confidence is the change parents mention most. It is usually quiet. A student returns to school, homework, and decisions with a little more trust in what they can manage.
The friendships
Students from the UK spend the week with young people from Italy, Spain, France, and other countries. Some of those friendships continue after the week ends.
From the kids who've been
The week, in their own words.
Short, unscripted videos recorded after the residential week.
Rhys J.
“I pushed myself to come and probably been one of the best weeks of my life. Honest, it’s been so good.”
Rupert P.
“It’s really changed my life, literally. Like it made me read books faster and I could understand better what I read.”
Antonia K.
“There’s so much more about you than being kind, being smart, being pretty. There’s so much more wonderful, lifechanging and unique.”
Dia K.
“I used to have fours and fives as my predicted grades. And now I have from six to eight when nine is the highest.”
Maja K.
“I noticed results and I was able to read, you know, 100-200 pages in an hour (…) I’ve had tests and exams where I’ve gotten quite good scores like A Stars and A’s.”
Prince S.
“I think you just learn a lot about life, about who you want to be and what you can do in the world.”
05 · Parents and children
What they say about us.
We have included reviews from parents whose children did not want to be there on the first day. These are often the ones other parents ask to read first.
Think of this, if she was free to use her phone and never had the need to… that says a lot. The team at CYL academy keeps parents in the loop, updated with videos about their activities every day. I trusted my gut! Best decision ever made. I pray the staff continue to grow in strength, spirit and ethos of the academy and continue to look after our children guiding them with the love, compassion, care and kindness they did, with the security and comfort. I can’t say Thank you enough to you all. It feels too little, never big enough sometimes, but those 2 words sometimes feel like, they don’t reach the depths of what needs expressing from the nooks of your heart. A resounding Thank you greatly to you all at CHANGE YOUR LIFE ACADEMY
Thank you for the experience that my son had. It was beyond academic exposure on his part but about social skills, personal independence, and realising that there is more in him that he has to bring out. The school system doesn’t allow much time for extra curricular activities that focus on personal development at these ages. It was a first steps journey for him. We will work with the after resources, so that he can come back on program when he is older.
As I was a parent who travelled all the way near the destination, I was impressed with your security and group management of children, both through airport security and onboarding plane plans. I observed that you kept the children together and the children were separated from other passengers. Thank you for the daily updates and for allowing them to keep their phones as this showed transparency with us as parents. I recommend anyone with a child in the age range to send their child. There’s not much out there on offer for them. Thank you 🙏🏾
From Hilda Johani ( parent)
Convincing the rest of the family took longer than finding it! One son had to postpone due to health reasons (which, in hindsight, turned out to be a good thing, as both ended up navigating individually and figuring out things on their own). When it was time for my 15-year-old to go, it wasn’t easy. Right before the trip, he had a breakdown and refused to go. It was emotional, stressful, and honestly, I questioned everything. But at the last minute, wearing his brother’s t-shirt for courage, he got on that plane.
The first two days? According to him, I had “wasted his time.” It was “boring.” He blamed me about spoiling his half term. I barely slept, waiting for the call to pick him up.
Then something shifted.
After day two it was “50/50.” Then fewer messages. Then silence (which I learned is a very good sign). When I picked him up at the airport, he couldn’t stop talking. Ten out of ten. He had stepped out of his comfort zone, faced fears, made friends, grown in confidence. The boy who left unsure came back empowered.
As a mum, I see this as an investment — and every single penny was worth it. Both of my boys now want to go back. I honestly cannot recommend this program enough. Sometimes the best growth starts with a little resistance… and a very nervous mum at the airport.
My daughters loved every second spent in Italy and would have moved there forever if that was an option😊. It’s not only about learning the 3D reading method, it’s much more complex than that. It changed the way of seeing life, it helped them to find purpose, different perspectives and excitement in daily routine. We are very grateful to the whole team for the extraordinary work they are doing and I can honestly confirm that this is the best project ever created for teenagers. Thank you!🤗
Change Your Life Kindle Summer Camp exceeded every expectation. From the moment our child joined, we were met with an atmosphere of genuine love and kindness. The teachers are not only passionate and nurturing, but they also radiate a deep commitment to each child’s growth — emotionally, socially, and intellectually.
The camp itself was impressively well-organized, with every detail thoughtfully planned to create a safe, inspiring, and joyful environment. The friendships our child built during the camp were meaningful and lasting — a testament to the inclusive and supportive culture the team fosters.
What truly sets this camp apart is the motivation and confidence it instilled. We’ve seen a remarkable shift in our child’s attitude since returning — more self-assured, curious, and driven. The learning was rich and engaging, but it’s the spark of inspiration they came home with that feels genuinely life-changing.
We’re deeply grateful to everyone at Kindle Summer Camp. You didn’t just run a camp — you helped shape a brighter future. Thank you!
Visiting the venue and being part of the Gala Dinner was a great experience as a parent and gave us insights into the positive, supportive atmosphere the children experienced all week. The program doesn't end after the week itself. We've stayed in close touch with the staff, who are always happy to offer support and we're so grateful to be a part of the Change Your Life community.
More committed, enthusiastic, responsible, he is now independent with his homework and his performance at school improved dramatically.
I strongly advise everybody to give their children this fantastic opportunity
What has touched me the most is how much fun he had during the experience. He came home after the 6 days course with a big smile and new insights to share, which was a joy to see as a parent. This course has not only helped him develop useful skills but also boosted his self- esteem in a way that feels so meaningful at his age. I'm truly grateful for the positive impact CYL has had on my son and wouldn't hesitate to recommend Change Your Life to other parents and any young person looking to unlock their potential in a fun and meaningful way.
A special thank you to all of the staff for making her 18th birthday so memorable. It meant a lot to both of us that you acknowledged this milestone and celebrated her in such a thoughtful way.
The 3D method and reading techniques I learned opened my mind in ways I never imagined. I came back feeling more confident, motivated, and determined to tackle challenges—both in school and beyond. I discovered a new sense of courage and resilience, and the message of “never giving up” really resonated with me. Watching the final video, I was deeply moved, especially by Filippo’s inspiring words and vision for helping us grow into better, more rounded people. It’s a message I’ll carry with me forever.
The staff—Filippo, Diana, Angela, Mattia, and everyone else—were absolutely fantastic. Their kindness, support, and genuine care made this journey so meaningful. I also made amazing new friends, and the bonds I built during the program feel like they’ll last a lifetime. Even the small moments, like the colorful bracelets we received and the gala dinner, were so special and memorable.
Before this experience, I sometimes felt unsure of myself and hesitant to try new things, but now I feel like I’ve unlocked a new potential within me. I’m eager to apply what I’ve learned, not just academically but in every aspect of my life. I’m already looking forward to coming back—maybe even as part of the staff one day! My parents noticed the change in me too; they said they’ve never seen me so enthusiastic and happy, and they’re so grateful to the CYL team for giving me this opportunity.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone at CYL. This experience has been a gift, and I’m excited to see where this journey takes me next. I’m truly inspired, and I’ll never forget the love, energy, and positivity you’ve shared with me.
With heartfelt gratitude, Gioele❤️
My child's experience has been transformative. I hope more kids would be able to experience this program, which not only teaches study skills but also life skills that would impact positively the upcoming generation and the world around them.
I give the program 5 out of 5 stars and encourage all those who are unsure to go for it.
06 · Day-to-day care
How the week is run.
Travel
Students meet at London Gatwick on Monday morning and fly to Milan accompanied by named CYL staff who travel both ways with the group. From Milan, a coach transfers the group to the Borgo. Return flights and 20–23 kg checked baggage are included in the programme fee.
Communication during the week
Students keep their own phones throughout the week and can call home during free time. From day one, parents are added to a dedicated WhatsApp group: every evening, a video summary of the day is shared, so families can see what’s been happening.
The team on site
A team of CYL instructors and resident staff is present 24 hours a day for the duration of the programme. The UK parent contact is reachable by WhatsApp throughout the week if a question comes up.
The residence
The Borgo del Monte Antico is a residential property dedicated to CYL programmes. Three meals a day are prepared on site. Allergies and dietary requirements are confirmed in writing before the programme begins.
Dates & details
Summer 2026 — three editions, limited places.
Three weeks across July and August. See the full calendar, prices, payment plan, what is covered by the fee and what isn’t.
07 · Send a question
Do you have questions?
Diana handles parent enquiries for the UK. She reads each message herself and replies by email, usually within one working day. There is no sales call.
Ask a question about the programme
08 · Questions parents ask
Frequently asked questions.
The questions parents usually ask before booking. If yours is not here, you can use the form below or send a WhatsApp message to the UK parent team.
Most teenagers arrive reluctant — brought by parents, unconvinced, not particularly interested in another “programme”. That’s normal, and the first day is built for exactly that situation. No pressure to perform, no introductions that put anyone on the spot.
What usually happens: within 24 hours, most have quietly stopped wanting to leave. We can’t guarantee that — but we can say it’s the most common thing parents report. If it would help, we’re happy to arrange a short call with you and your son or daughter before you commit to anything.
There’s a designated time each day when calls home are possible. Outside that window, contact is limited — not to exclude parents, but because the experience depends on your child being genuinely present, not half elsewhere.
Most parents find the daily update from the team sufficient. If something urgent comes up, the staff are reachable immediately.
The programme isn’t remedial. Teenagers who are already performing well often get the most from it — because it addresses how they’re studying, not just whether they’re passing.
The method helps with pace and retention, but also with the kind of mental organisation that matters in A-levels, university applications, and beyond. More than a few who arrived with solid grades left with significantly more time back in their week.
The method was developed with a range of learners in mind, including young people who find conventional classroom approaches frustrating. It doesn’t require a particular starting point. Some who’ve attended have arrived with ADHD, dyslexia, or high anxiety around academic performance.
We’d encourage you to speak with us directly so we can give you an honest assessment of whether this specific edition is a good fit.
Yes. The daily schedule is published on this page — including timings, activities, meals, and rest periods. The method sessions occupy the mornings; afternoons include practical workshops, outdoor activity, and time for students to decompress.
Evenings are structured but social. Nothing is improvised or vaguely described as “experiential”. You can see the full schedule before booking anything.
A named residential team is responsible for the group day and night. Valentina Martinelli is the Designated Safeguarding Lead, with Anna Conte as Deputy. Mattia Francesco Rossi is the UK Lead on site. Diana Mancigotti handles UK parent enquiries off-site.
The structure — DSL, response protocol, vetting standards, UK liaison and emergency chain — is summarised in the Safeguarding section above, and published in full on the dedicated safeguarding page.
The fee covers accommodation, all meals, the full programme, and access to the online consolidation sessions in the four weeks that follow. Ongoing tutoring access is also included — your child can return to their assigned tutor as they move through school and beyond.
There are no add-ons or upsells once you’re enrolled. See the full breakdown of dates & pricing →
A concrete method for how to read and retain material more efficiently. Habits around attention and daily organisation. And, consistently, a different relationship with their own capability — not because anyone has told them to feel differently, but because they’ve demonstrated something to themselves during the week.
Most parents notice the difference within the first few weeks back. Some see it immediately. A small number need more time for it to settle. We’d rather tell you that plainly than promise something we can’t guarantee for every child.
In some ways — there’s a group, outdoor time, shared meals, evenings together. But the core is a method with genuine academic application, taught by qualified practitioners.
They leave with something specific they can use on Monday morning, not just a good memory of a week away.