Who signs up for our courses? What do they think?

Who signs up for our courses?

What do they think?

• NGOs • Private sector • Civil servants, journalists • Unions • Guest speakers and professors • Students

•China Summer School •Peace Operations School •India Summer School •Environmental Law Summer School •Africa Summer School •USA Summer School

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Since 2005, nearly 400 people have signed up for CERIUM’s summer schools.
Among them:

Members of Quebec and Canadian civil society:

Federal civil servants including employees of the Foreign Affairs and International Trade departments, Industry Canada, CIDA and Agriculture Canada; Quebec civil servants including employees of the Innovation and Export Trade Department, the International Relations Department and the Department of Culture; members of NGOs including Rights and Democracy and Greenpeace; journalists for L’actualité, La Presse, CBC/Radio-Canada and Les Affaires as well as freelancers; trade unionists with the FTQ, the CSN, the CSQ and the Fonds de solidarité FTQ; members of Parliament and of the Québec National Assembly.

Members of foreign governments, multilateral bodies and NGOs:

Employees of the United Nations (BINUB), the UNHCR, the Government of Latvia, the Spanish League for Nature Protection in the Mediterranean Region (DEPANA), Tunisia’s Environment Ministry, Gabon’s Foreign Affairs Ministry as well as representatives of various NGOs from Algeria, Mali and Congo.

Business people:

Senior employees of Alcan, Bombardier, Capgemini Canada, Desjardins, Fednay Ltd., Promaintech Novaxa and Rayco-Wylie Systems, independent entrepreneurs, representatives of foreign companies including Oikos International (Switzerland), Comart Nigeria and Insurance Record Services (USA).

Professors and instructors:

From the Université de Montréal, Université Laval, Canada School of Public Service; instructors from Edouard Montpetit and Montmorency colleges, Ahunstic and Limoilou Cegeps and from an FTQ-affiliated college.

And, of course, students:

Masters students from HEC Montréal, McGill University, UQAM, ÉNAP, Laval and Concordia universities and the universities of Toronto and Ottawa, EHESS (Paris), Nanterre University, Perpignan University, Max-Planck Institute in Germany and the Institut de droit des affaires internationales (Cairo).

...and concerned citizens:

Employees, retirees, people preparing for travel overseas and others.

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What do they think?

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NGOs

"I found the lectures enlightening and balanced. The prevailing enthusiasm for China’s economic growth was tempered by considerations about human rights. Thanks for organizing this event." Jean-François Lesage (École Chine 2007) Asia-China Regional Agent, Rights and Democracy

"In my opinion, CERIUM has one of the best summer courses on environmental legislation, American legislation and international and comparative law, with a very good program, excellent professors, and a solid schedule and organization. I recommend this course."
Josep-Luis Salazar (Environmental Law Summer School 2007)
Lawyer, DEPANA: League for Nature Protection in the Mediterranean Region

"As someone who hasn’t been in an academic environment for over 40 years, I found the experience and issues very thought provoking. I leave with a sense of optimism knowing that so many people are involved in analyzing development and the improvement of peacekeeping missions."
Claudia Bierman (Peace Operations School 2007)
Les amis canadiens de VAMOS!

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Private sector

«I am enrolled in a PHD program in international environmental law and I found the topic of the classes very useful and well structured. Atmosphere in classes was good and challenging and colleagues from a various fields and countries make the course very interactive.» Geanina A. Voinea, Managing partner, Bucharest Romania (Environment 2009)

“CERIUM succeeded in bringing together an impressive number of experts to draw a complete portrait of a complex subject. This course is essential for anyone who wants to understand China. Bravo!”
René Sylvestre (China Summer School 2006)
Market Analyst, Vice-president Small Businesses
Quebec Federation of Savings Banks

“I would like to congratulate CERIUM on this project and for the professionalism with which the summer schools are led, particularly the seminar on China. It is a cutting-edge undertaking which meets a pressing need. It demonstrates the University of Montreal’s dynamism as well as its understanding of international issues. From a personal standpoint, this opportunity for discussion with colleagues for whom I have tremendous respect has been very enriching.”
Gervais Lavoie
CEO Fruits & Passion – China Limited

“CERIUM’s summer schools on China offer a unique opportunity for encounters and discussions. They bring together stakeholders from every field and background, with different levels of knowledge and a broad variety of motivations and career paths.”
Lynda Dumais
Moreault Associates, Head of Shanghai office

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Unions

“A marvelous occasion to update and enrich our vision of China”
France Laurendeau (China Summer School 2006)
Head of the FTQ College-Fonds de Solidarité

“CERIUM’s summer school is extremely relevant and comes at an opportune moment. An occasion to stop, listen and cogitate.”
Atïm Léon (China Summer School 2006)
Research Officer
FTQ

“A must for those who want to grasp what India will be 20 years from now!”
Louis Roy (India Summer School 2007)
Vice-president
Confédération des Syndicats Nationaux

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Guest speakers and professors

"The CERIUM runs a serious program that is at once educational and very enjoyable. The courses typically include regular instructors and invited participants of a very high quality. Even better, the student body is very international and very diverse (including working professionals, MA students, and undergrads mixed together). All of the students that I took profited enormously from it (and from their stay in Montreal - a beautiful, cosmopolitan city). The internationally-renowned jazz festival occurs during the first week of their summer session. The staff at UdeM is a delight and are very welcoming. And Montreal is a blast." Charles Noble, Chair of the Political Science department at CalState Long Beach

"Aside from the outstanding quality of the conferrences, I was impressed by the expertise of the participants and their involvement in the debates, which ofteh drew on experiences in the field"
Celestin Monga, Senior Economist, World Bank

“This summer school is the best introduction to India one can imagine: in one week of immersion, one acquires lasting and complete knowledge.”
Christophe Jaffrelot (India Summer School 2007)
Director of the Centre d’Études et de Recherches Internationales, Science-Po, Paris

“In a relaxed yet serious atmosphere, we learn to understand and better judge China. Indispensable for those wanting to visit or study this country, this week is also useful for those who know, or think they know, this vast country.”
Francesca Cini (China Summer School 2007)
Sinologist and former coordinator for China at Amnesty International

“Hard to imagine a better way to acquaint oneself with China than this intensive week of conferences and debates: pure condensed information.”
Pierre Haski (China Summer School 2007)
Former correspondent for Libération in China and founder of the Children of Ningxia Association

“It is a wonderful discovery. In such a short time my knowledge of China went from zero to a desire to know this country thoroughly.”
Richard Gilbert (China Summer School 2007)
Instructor, Limoilou CÉGEP

“A must for those who are interested in China. We learn and are left wanting to learn even more.”
Jean Karam (China Summer School 2007)
Political science instructor, Ahunstic College

“The summer school organized by CERIUM offers a unique possibility to obtain high quality training in French on peace missions. I recommend it without reservation.”
Michel Liégeois (Peace Operations School 2007)
Professor
Université Catholique de Louvain

“The diversity of participants’ experiences and their interest in the complex reality of peace missions reveal a new commitment of civil society toward peacekeeping. I am delighted because without this multidimensional commitment, there can be no resolution to real crisis situations. I have therefore been delighted to take part in this summer school.”
Brigadier-General (ret’d) Robin Gagnon (Peace Operations School 2007)
Former Force Commander of the UN mission in Haiti

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Students

"A perfect overview of the glimpse of laws all over the world. Thank you."
Sury Ursule (Human rights Summer School 2011)

"The CERIUM summer school is an excellent opportunity for students to experience lectures on subjects they love. Although this is a graduate course I am currently in my senior year of undergrad and was accomodated for. I am studying international relations and human rights so this course was perfect for me. With not an overbearing load of work students can still go out and experience beautiful Montreal in the summer with the many things it has to offer! In addition, the guest lectures were extremely credible and it was so exciting to be in a class with such brilliant people. I highly recommended this course and school for anyone who is serious and passionate about their academic life!"
Julia Skelley (Human rights Summer School 2011)
University of Washington

"Overall, I think this course was a great experience to hear the thoughts and different views of experts on a range of important topics on Africa. Several of these speakers helped to broaden my view on the different aspects and subjects on the continent."
Megan Malone, Student, Carleton University (Africa Summer School 2010)

"As an Indo-Canadian social science students and lover of India, I found this course on India thoroughly enriching, helping me deeper my understanding and knowledge of Indian culture and society on an academic as well as personal level. I highly recommend this summer course to everyone."
Nootan Kumar (India Summer School 2010)

«A refreshing change – the summer schools have been a great learning experience, with knowledgeable lectures and a relaxed atmosphere for learning. » Sarah Mongeau-Birkett (USA Summer School 2009) McGill University

«The Summer School in the first 100 days of Obama’s Presidency was full and without a doubt a truly enriching experience, which taught me different aspects, possible obstacles and successes of his Presidency. I highly recommend this course, it was simply wonderful!» Sandra Mestre Orozco (USA Summer School 2009) International Relations Student, ITESMCQ-Mexico

«This course was an amazing opportunity to learn about peace operations and the international community from those working on the ground and in the midst of current debates.» Corry Hulse (Peace Operations Summer School 2009) University of Washington

«Undergraduate students do not often get the chance to take courses that provide theoretical and practical knowledge in a field, while encouraging innovative thinking about the future. CERIUM’s Peace Operations course was truly unique in this regard and I would recommend it to anybody with an interest in the field of Peace operations» Amaura Possian (Peace Operations Summer School 2009) McGill University

“The conferences conveyed a brilliant portrait of China in its unity and diversity. ”
Aomar Boukhezar (China Summer School 2006)
Master’s student, HEC Montréal

“This course reflects China’s diversity and enables us to grasp how this country defies generalization.”
Jean-Philippe Brassard (China Summer School 2006)
Master’s student, UQAM

“Thanks to CERIUM and its summer school, we better understand what China is going through and how it affects us.”
Eric Lefrançois (China Summer School 2006)
Master’s student, Université de Montréal

“I gained valuable knowledge at a good price and in a short time. I wish I could spend one week of my holiday this way every year. Bravo and thanks!”
Monique Lo
Master’s student, HEC Montréal

“An admirable group of experts”
Charles Labrecque
Master’s student, Université de Montréal

“Well worth the effort, whatever your interest in China.”
David Patterson (China Summer School 2006)
Master’s student, Université de Montréal

“Students of the International Studies Master’s degree program should know about CERIUM’s summer schools. The instructors provided excellent training.”
Dominique Brunet (India Summer School 2007)
Student, International Studies Master’s Program, Université de Montréal

“I began the week knowing very little about India. Now I have a very powerful image of it and can only dream of when I will set foot there!”
Catherine D’Amour (India Summer School 2007)
Student, International Studies Master’s Program, Université de Montréal

“The course makes us want to visit India and takes us on a journey without leaving the classroom.”
Sarah Bensadoun (India Summer School 2007)
UQAM

“Wonderful. I discovered a magnificent culture. Thank you.”
Sarah Larose (India Summer School 2007)
Student, International Studies Master’s Program, Université de Montréal

“Excellent training, intense and thoroughly interesting; the outstanding instructors were dynamic and approachable.”
Marie Regaldo-Saint Blancard (Environmental Law Summer School 2007)
Student, Master’s Program in Law, Université de Montréal

“As a future lawyer specialized in common law and as an average citizen, I feel better equipped to develop solid arguments based on international principles of environmental and European legislation. Common law provides flexibility in the rule of law; understanding the influence of international instruments will be very helpful.”
Louise Soyez (Environmental Law Summer School 2007)
Student, University of Ottawa

“This summer university is an excellent way to meet people active in the field of the environment as well as future professionals.”
Maëlen Edmond-Mariette (Environmental Law Summer School 2007)
Student, Perpignan University

“The environment law program at the University of Montreal offers a warm welcome to its students but most of all, it is the best way to become aware of the responsibility we all share for protecting the environment.”
Gwenaëlle Duriac (Environmental Law Summer School 2007)
Student, University of Nanterre

“This course is an interesting way to learn about the quality of our current and future life and health on the planet, and to update one’s legal knowledge of environmental issues.”
Hanna Barbak (Environmental Law Summer School 2007)
Student, Master’s Program in Law, Université de Montréal

“This program fully satisfies the expectations of both novices and experts. It is intensive and complete, not simply an introduction to law.”
Caroline Fortier (Environmental Law Summer School 2007)
Université de Montréal

“Excellent course on European and international environmental law given by an impressive number of experts.”
Alexandra Hardy (Environmental Law Summer School 2007)
Student, Master’s Program in Law, Université de Montréal

“An in-depth look at China - yesterday, today and tomorrow.”
Jean-François Lalonde (China Summer School 2007)
Ph.D., HEC Montréal

“A chance to meet all the best experts on China at once in a friendly atmosphere.”
Julie Beauséjour (China Summer School 2007)
Ph.D., Urban Planning Faculty, Université de Montréal

“I have only congratulations to offer the CERIUM Summer School on Peacekeeping Operations, which brought together specialists from all over the world to make us think about current issues of peace and conflict. Bravo! Let us hope this school will continue for many years.”
Lori-Anne Théroux-Benoni (Peace Operations Summer School 2007)
Ph.D. Student, University of Toronto

“The summer school is a wonderful experience. The intensity of the training program allows for an in-depth study of the topic that goes farther than regular courses. It is also an occasion to benefit from the knowledge and experiences of lecturers from very diverse backgrounds.”
Charline Leduc-Marcoux (Peace Operations Summer School 2007)
Université de Montréal

“The CERIUM summer schools on peacekeeping operations are a centre of excellence which helps foster a true international culture of peace and security.”
Colonel Traore Sidiki Daniel (Peace Operations Summer School 2007)
Student EHESS (Ph.D. program, African history and civilizations)

“This course is an excellent way to obtain up-to-date knowledge on the main issues of peacekeeping operations around the world. The great diversity of issues addressed and the quality of the instructors will undoubtedly make this course very popular every year.”
Sara Amiri (Peace Operations Summer School 2007)
Student, International Studies Master’s Program, Université de Montréal

“A very enriching training program with well-chosen guest speakers.”
Mélanie Coutu (Peace Operations Summer School 2007)
Student, UQAM

“CERIUM, a serum of international truth!”
Marie Imboden-Lachance (Peace Operations Summer School 2007)
Université de Montréal

“Whether for novices or those with experience or training in peacekeeping operations, this course is most definitely relevant and enriching.”
Chantal Descarries (Peace Operations Summer School 2007)
Undergraduate student, Université de Montréal

“It was an opportunity to learn about the various aspects of peacekeeping operations and to grasp how complex peacekeeping is.”
Adriana Marcolini (Peace Operations Summer School 2007)
Ph.D. student, University of Sao Paulo

“It is in the interest of humanitarian and development officials who are confronted daily with the complexity of conflict issues to attend this type of course. It provides an enlightening overview as well as a critical analysis of various methods. Bravo to the organizers for this valuable course!”
Christiane Rochon (Peace Operations Summer School 2007)
Student, Applied Social Sciences - Bioethics, Université de Montréal

“A thoroughly intelligent summer school program dispensing a wealth of integrated and diversified knowledge.”
Marie-Ève Goyer (Peace Operations Summer School 2007)
Student, Université de Montréal

“CERIUM is an excellent choice for international students wishing to enrich themselves with high-quality professors while experiencing the vibrant city of Montreal.”
Jocy Edwards (China Summer School 2008)
California State University, Long Beach

“I highly recommend the course! I enjoyed learning about Africa from real experts with a deep knowledge of the subject. Taking the course in Montreal and being to explore the city made the experience even more exciting. Great class, great city, and great country!”
Enrique Robles (Africa Summer School 2008)
University of Long Beach California

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Civil servants, journalists, general public

«As a retired high school teacher, I found this course not only informative, but also inspiring. Perhaps it was the subject of President Obama, but I felt like getting back into the classroom and applying some of the knowledge I acquired.» Chris Eustace (USA Summer School 2009) retraité

«I would recommend this course because not only does it make you more politically aware, but it also not offers you guidelines for assessing and following political and economical and cultural development.» Anonymous (USA Summer School 2009)

«Short, intense, necessary» Anonymous (India Summer School 2009))

«It is a good place to meet people working on India and also become aware of multi-disciplinary perspective on the region, society and politics as well as economy.» Parminder Chopra (India Summer School 2009)

«I took the class as preparation for an internship in the climate change field. The instructors and speakers were engaging, stimulating and very knowledgeable. The great relevance and interconnection between topics was well appreciated. I learned more this week than in an entire semester. Thank you Cerium!» Anonymous (Environment Summer School 2009)

«Although the European Union did a lot in environmental law, the course could cover a field at European universities.» Dimitri Eules (Environment Summer School 2009)

"Excellent course allowing one to appreciate the complexity of the Chinese paradigm, thanks to skilful guest lecturers."
François Bellemare (China Summer School 2006)
Evaluation Manager
Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)

“Excellent course!”
Johanne Duval (China Summer School 2007)
Consultant, Industrial Development
Industry Canada

“A requirement for anyone wishing to comprehend China”
Ghislain Robichaud (China Summer School 2006)
Natural Resources Canada

"CERIUM’s summer school on China offers a high-quality program that stays on point and is run by an excellent team and outstanding professors, experts and journalists. Thank you."
Carmen Perlain (China Summer School 2007)
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada, East Asia division

"A great opportunity to learn more about environmental law and key issues concerning international and American affairs from top-level professionals."
Zaneta Micosa (Environmental Law Summer School 2007)
Lawyer, Advisor to State Secretary, Government of Latvia

"I recommend this course, particularly to colleagues working in peacekeeping operations, as discussions with theoreticians are extremely enriching and contribute to the advancement of the peace process worldwide.
Luciano Hounkponou (Peace Operations Summer School 2007)
UNHCR

"More and more francophones and francophiles are involved in peacekeeping. CERIUM, through its summer course, offers theoreticians and practitioners the ideal setting in which to think and share experiences in French; this program has a definite comparitive advantage."
Yao Claude Bouyaka (Peace Operations Summer School 2007)
UN Bureau in Burundi/BINUB Bujumbura

"The summer school offers a truly dynamic learning formula that provides up-to-date knowledge on current international issues. I appreciated the diversity of the speakers and the time reserved for discussion."
Réal Menard (Peace Operations Summer School 2007)
Bloc Québécois member of Parliament

"Intense and extremely fascinating. I will definitely see news stories about China from a different angle."
Marc Laurendeau, Journalist (China Summer School 2006)
Commenting his experience on the radio show C’est bien meilleur le matin

"CERIUM took me back to India without leaving the classroom and left me longing to return as soon as possible."
Daniel Chrétien (India Summer School 2007)
Journalist, L’actualité

"A fantastic intellectual journey into the heart of modern and ancient India! The incredible quality of the speakers provides an in-depth understanding of India."
Melissa Vaillancourt (India Summer School 2007)
Freelance journalist

"I am moving to China and feel ready to understand this Middle Kingdom with its fascinating paradoxes."
Mariève Paradis (China Summer School 2007)
Freelance journalist

"As a European, it was very interesting to compare my views on peacekeeping operations with those from the other side of the Atlantic. I think this type of school should become truly international."
Florence Malbecq (Peace Operations Summer School 2007)
Concerned citizen

"An excellent overview in such a short period of time. Even after many trips to Asia over the years, I have learned new information through these lectures which I am certain I will be able to use in my work. "
J.M. Duchesne (China Summer School 2008)
Filmmaker/photographer

"The CERIUM Africa summer school is an excellent place for people who are both new to African issues or already familiar with them to learn about and discuss a wide range of topics concerning the continent. "
Darrel Nadeau (Africa Summer School 2008)
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT)