Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute (OLBI)

Hamelin Hall — About us

Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute (OLBI)

The Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute 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

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.

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.

CCERBAL logo

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

OLBI's newsletter, In Other Words

OLBI's newsletter keeps you informed of recent news and events of interest to all members of uOttawa's community and the general public.

OLBI news

All OLBI news

European Day of Languages

European Day of Languages

Sep 26

OLBI's human library

The annual interactive event of the Living Library, taking place on the occasion of the European Day of Languages.

Language column

Two students who are looking at their cellphones.

Language column

Aug 10

Looking for an accessible definition of plurilingualism

Plurilingualism aims to celebrate the variety of semiotic resources a person has.

Learning and technology

Master in Bilingualism Studies alum Farhad Roodi

Learning and technology

Aug 10

MA graduate receives fellowship and Presidential Excellence Award

In August 2023, Farhad will begin a PhD in Learning Design and Technology at Purdue University in Indiana.