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.
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
Bilingualism opens doors
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.
More to Discover at OLBI
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
Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute
Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute
Historic agreement to strengthen education in the Francophonie
FIPF and OLBI sign unprecedented partnership to promote the teaching of French
Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute
Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute
Speech by Elena Valenzuela, Director of the ILOB, before the Standing Senate Committee on Official Languages
On May 27, 2024, Director of the Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute, Elena Valenzuela, delivered a speech to the Senate of Canada.
Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute
Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute
Larry Vandergrift award recipient Isabella Laurin: Passionate about teaching French as a second language
Isabella Laurin, a third-year teaching French as a second language student at uOttawa, has received the prestigious Larry Vandergrift Memorial Award. …
Contact us
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 4:00 p.m.