International Winter School 2017 of the Barents Peace Education Network (BPEN) in Karelia, Russia
Group picture in front of Petrozavodsk State University
During this years Barents Peace Education Network winter school about 30 students from four different universities in the Barents region met in Petrozavodsk to study and discuss theoretical and practical issues of interaction in the Barents region and the regional countries' involvement in international affairs. The thematic focus this year were issues of diplomacy and peacebuilding in the North of Europe, the interaction of state institutions and civil society as well as the challenges posed by the current political environment.
The lectures helped me to see and understand that despite the current tensions in international media and on the political level, reality and perceptions can differ quite often. It was very interesting and valuable to hear different, but also similar opinions, have discussions, to feel the interest and willigness of people to cooperate, make friendly relationships and to see how everyday situations are in Russia. Coming from Latvia, I could very much relate to that." - MPCT student Reinis Briljants
Being a student again after working for some time, I can't find the best words to describe the incredible learning experience that I have had during the winter school in Russia. It really extended my studies beyond the general curriculum and syllabus." - MPCT student Pak Man
Students during the Barents Region Crisis Simulation
Excursion to the Karelian countryside
