Hamelin Hall

Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute (OLBI)

The Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute (OLBI) is an integral part of the University of Ottawa, where excellence in teaching and innovation complement uOttawa’s commitment to bilingualism.
Étudiants assis dans une salle de classe

OLBI offers language courses for all levels, from beginner to advanced

Students from all faculties may enrol in French as a Second Language (FLS, Français langue seconde) and English as a Second Language (ESL) courses. Staff and professors have access to FLS and ESL courses through the Language support program for employees. OLBI also offers accelerated FLS and ESL programs.
For more information and to enrol in a FLS or ESL course at OLBI
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English or French as a Second Language

Courses in English as a Second Language (ESL) and French as a Second Language (FLS) are meant to help anyone wishing to improve their French and English language skills. Courses are offered from a beginner level to an advanced level.
Register now to a Second Language Course!

Canadian Centre for Studies and Research on Bilingualism and Language Planning (CCERBAL)

The CCERBAL fulfills the research mandate of the Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute. The Centre’s key research themes include language teaching and learning, new technologies, language assessment, and language policy, including family language policy.

Learn more about the CCERBAL.

ccerbal logo
CCERBAL logo

More to Discover at OLBI

Valerie Binder in the mountains
Why choose uOttawa?

“I chose uOttawa for the French opportunities on and off campus. I was attracted to the French program’s courses and small class sizes, uOttawa’s bilingual campus, and the city’s bilingual culture.”

Valerie Binder

FORUM
Two women sitting at a table across from another woman on a laptop, in a meeting room.
FORUM
Dec 8

The use of coaching for linguistic security

Linguistic insecurity (LI) limits the effective use of French and English as official languages in Canadian federal institutions.
Code switching
Samantha Toh
Code switching
Nov 22

The many faces of code switching | Animated video

What is code switching? According to Full Professor Carole Fleuret of the Faculty of Education:
Conference
a woman listening to a conference
Conference
Jun 12 to Jun 14

International Agi-lang conference

Agency, engagement and learning in technology-based language pedagogy | Call for proposals

Contact the Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute

Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute (OLBI)

70 Laurier Avenue East
Room 130
Ottawa, ON  K1N 6N5
Canada

Tel.: 613-562-5743
Fax.: 613-562-5126
[email protected]

Office hours

Monday to friday
9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Indigenous Affirmation

We pay respect to the Algonquin people, who are the traditional guardians of this land. We acknowledge their longstanding relationship with this territory, which remains unceded. 

We pay respect to all Indigenous people in this region, from all nations across Canada, who call Ottawa home. 

We acknowledge the traditional knowledge keepers, both young and old. And we honour their courageous leaders: past, present, and future. 

Learn more about the Indigenous Affirmation.