International winter school in Karelia, Russia: Norwegian and Russian students study peace together
The 5th international school in Petrozavodsk, Karelia, Russia is over. We spent 5 days in Petrozavodsk and 1 day in St.Petersburg at the end of November,18. Main impressions and conclusions are collected in this news arcticle.
The 5th international school in Petrozavodsk, Karelia, Russia is over. We spent 5 days in Petrozavodsk and 1 day in St.Petersburg at the end of November,18.
The main task of such schools is to bring students from Russia and Norway together for a common learning, dialogue and communication. They need to discuss the same topics to understand each other and be professionals in their academic journey-peace studies. That was the 5th school, organized by the Centre for Peace Studies (UiT), Petrozavodsk State university and Northern Arctic Federal university.
If you can read in Russian, so read here the newsletter from Petrozavodsk State University
Both travelling first time to Russia, experiencing life in the province city and in St.Petersburg makes an impresions on Norwegian students. what do they say:
Julia, MPCT student
I highly appreciate the opportunity to attend the International Winter School in Karelia this year. The lectures and group workshops gave us a better understanding of the long history of cross-border interaction and migration of people in the Barents region. Furthermore, we learned more about the struggles of the indigenous people in the region as minorities. It was engaging to discuss different topics of the region from different cultural and political perspectives, and compare the situations in the countries. The cross-cultural exchange has been very meaningful and interesting. It was a pleasure to meet and get to know new friends from Russia!
Caleb, MPCT student
The Winter school in Petrozavodsk was an amazing experience because of its simplicity and effectiveness. In my honest opinion, I was able to gain a lot from the conference because of how “simple” it was organised. The manner at which the lectures were delivered, the group work that enabled me participate and the role play that was simply just amazing, provided vital knowledge and understanding (about the Barent Region) that am sure will stay with me forever. The Lecturers and the students were one of the finest blend of people I have ever seen in an academic setting, they were inspiring, friendly but yet very professional. I am really fortunate to have been part of The Winter School in Petrzavodsk, this is one experience I will never forget.
Heidi, MPCT student
For me the winter school was educational on so many levels. I learned about the Barents region, its history and people. As a student of peace and conflict studies, I found it especially interesting to learn how cross-border cooperation and migration have fostered good neighborhood relations. In the meeting with other students I learned new perspectives on the European-Russian relationship that I will take with me not only in studies but in my everyday life as a Swedish person. In addition, I have realized the commonality and shared history we in the North have. Funnily enough, I learned a lot of the Swedish history in Russia! This has been a wonderful experience, and I’m thankful for the warm hospitality of the students and for everyone who organized and participated! We had so much fun this week!
Whad do students say in general:
- all lectures were helpful to understand the situation in the Barents region
- in my opinion, the simple nature of the school is of its strongests points
- unusual content of some lectures, practical thoughts and advice for the future research
- interesting exchange culturally, and learned more about the Barents area, history and situations
- the group work was extremely productive
- it was fun and helpful exhange of ideas
- incredible lectures raised actual themes
- great people, very good programme, a lot of positive emotions
- it was both fun and knowledge
- simulation exercise gave me an understanding of true politics
