From 10 to 20 August, Turība University in Riga hosted the international NORDPLUS Intensive Course “Mediation in Criminal and Civil Cases”, bringing together a group of 20 students from Lithuania, Latvia and Finland. As many as 13 of the participants came from Lithuania.
The course was jointly implemented by four partner universities – Turība University (Latvia), Mykolas Romeris University (Lithuania), Laurea University of Applied Sciences (Finland) and Satakunta University of Applied Sciences (Finland).
International Experience for Future Law and Mediation Professionals
The ability to resolve conflicts constructively and mediation skills are becoming increasingly important in contemporary society. The international format of the course gave students an opportunity to explore how mediation and restorative justice are understood and practised in different countries, compare different approaches, and learn from the experiences of fellow students and lecturers from across the Baltic and Nordic countries.
Such cooperation is particularly valuable for future professionals in law, mediation, public administration and other fields where effective communication, negotiation and the ability to resolve conflicts constructively play an essential role.
From Mediation Principles to Practical Situations
The intensive programme closely combined theoretical knowledge with practical learning. Students explored the fundamentals of mediation, restorative justice and its principles, mediation ethics, mediation agreements, conflict analysis and communication, as well as the profession and role of a mediator. The mediation process was also examined from a Legal Design perspective.
A significant part of the programme was dedicated to negotiation skills. Students explored negotiation as one of the foundations of mediation, different negotiation styles and factors influencing the negotiation process, verbal and non-verbal behaviour, and various negotiation techniques.
Participants also had the opportunity to put their theoretical knowledge into practice. One of the exercises involved multiparty negotiations, allowing students to simulate real-life conflict situations and seek solutions acceptable to the different parties involved.
Practical learning also included mediation role-plays, conflict analysis and communication exercises, and reflection sessions. By taking on different roles in simulated mediation situations, students were able to experience the process from different perspectives and develop their communication, active listening, negotiation and conflict-resolution skills.
Exploring Latvia’s Legal and Institutional System
The study programme was complemented by visits to key Latvian state institutions. Students visited the Supreme Court of the Republic of Latvia, where they had an opportunity to connect the topics of mediation and restorative justice with the broader context of the country’s legal system.
Course participants also visited the Saeima – the Parliament of the Republic of Latvia – where they gained further insight into Latvia’s legal and institutional system.
Baltic and Nordic Perspectives in One Classroom
One of the key strengths of the intensive course was the opportunity to bring together Baltic and Nordic perspectives on mediation, negotiation and conflict resolution. By studying and working in an international environment, students not only strengthened their professional competences but also developed their intercultural communication skills and built professional connections with future colleagues from other countries.
The international course was implemented with the financial support of the NORDPLUS Programme. The programme contributes to long-term cooperation between higher education institutions in the Baltic and Nordic countries, promotes student and academic staff mobility, and supports the joint development of innovative international learning opportunities.
Project No. NPHE-2026/10271.
