Hamelin Hall

Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute (OLBI)

The Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute (OLBI) is a center of excellence in language education and a cornerstone of the University of Ottawa. It embodies a forward-looking vision where excellence and innovation in teaching are combined with a steadfast commitment to the Francophonie and bilingualism. Through its internationally recognized research center (CCERBAL), OLBI plays a key role in advancing pedagogical practices and furthering research in bilingualism.

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

Students in a classroom.

Students from all faculties may enrol in French as a Second Language (FLS) 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
Three students in front of a laptop smiling

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!
CCERBAL logo

CCERBAL Research centre

The Canadian Centre for Studies and Research on Bilingualism and Language Planning (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 2025. An icon of a head with a lightbulb in it, and a globe.

CCERBAL 2025 Conference: Bilingualism and multilingualism

The focus of the CCERBAL 2025 Conference will be on the following three interconnected themes: Language and technology; Language, immigration, and internationalization; Indigenous Language Education and Revitalization. We will welcome a variety of conceptual, empirical, and practice-based contributions addressing language pedagogy, technology, assessment, language policy, family language policy, and beyond.
Learn more about the CCERBAL 2025 conference

News

All OLBI news
Professor Rahat Zaidi

Professor Rahat Zaidi leads the way to inclusive education for immigrant families

Professor Rahat Zaidi, a distinguished Werklund Research Professor at the University of Calgary, has been appointed as the new OLBI Mobility Research …
Cindy Paola Peña Ramirez, Yukti Sharma, Shayna Douglas

Three brilliant graduates to discover

Learn about the inspiring journeys of three exceptional graduates of the Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute (OLBI). Get to know Yukti, Cind…
Elena Valenzuela

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.

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.

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.