Two students talking at the Julien Couture Resource Centre

Conversation partners

Conversation partners are there to help you integrate socially and academically at OLBI.

Attendance and Cancellation Policy

  • 24-hour notice: If you can’t make your session, please let us know at least 24 hours in advance.
  • Why 24 hours' notice? When someone cancels out with less than 24 hours’ notice, our system can’t make their time slot available for other students waiting to practise their language skills.
  • Keeping it fair for everyone: Since our summer team consists of just two facilitators, any student with two consecutive last-minute cancellations (less than 24 hours) or no-shows will have their booking privileges paused for two weeks.
  • Our goal: We want to make sure every uOttawa student has a friendly, accessible space to practise their language skills. Thank you for helping us keep our centre a supportive community hub!

Meet our conversation partners

Arsha

Arsha Ramphul-Bhugloo

Available for summer

Pronoun(s): (she/her)
Faculty: Social Sciences
Language(s) : English, French, Mauritian Creole

Hello, I am Arsha, a second-year international student from Mauritius. I am studying mathematics and economics at uOttawa and I am excited to interact with people at the Julien Couture Resource Centre.

I usually spend my free time reading books of all genres as well as watching documentaries about diverse cultures and traditions around the world. I am looking forward to meeting fellow students and communicate in French to improve our language skills. 

Let’s talk about

  • Music and Books
  • Feminism and K-Pop
  • Life of an international student
Book a conversation with Arsha
Hayley Tama

Hayley Tama

Available for summer

Pronoun(s): (she/her)
Faculty: Arts
Language(s) : English, French, Spanish

Hi, hola, salut! My name is Hayley. I’m a third-year Social Work student originally from Los Angeles with Latin American heritage. Before moving to Canada 2 years ago, I spent nearly 10 years living in France teaching English and Spanish, and I have also spent time in Mexico and Colombia.

Having been a language learner myself, I understand what it feels like to adapt to a new language and culture. My goal is to create a relaxed, safe environment where you feel comfortable speaking! Whether you want to discuss deep topics like social issues and geopolitics, or fun things like fashion and food, I can't wait to hear your story!

Let’s talk about

  • Life Abroad: Travel stories, Cultural differences, Life as an international student
  • Society & World: Mental health, Geopolitics, Current events
  • Culture: Arts, History, Literature, Movies & TV Shows
  • Lifestyle: Food, Health, Yoga, Meditation, Mindfulness, Nature
Book a conversation with Hayley
Chandish

Chandish Reebye

Pronoun(s): (he/him)
Faculty: Sciences
Language(s): French, English, Mauritian Creole

Hello, I am Chandish, an international student from Mauritius Island. I am currently in my fourth year at the university, studying Electrical Engineering (French Immersion).

I am a passionate pianist and guitarist. I am also an enthusiastic cyclist and enjoy playing tennis.

Life is an incredible journey, and every person we meet along the way can shape our future. If you're looking to engage in thought-provoking conversations in either French or English, explore your interests, share our unique experiences, or seek valuable advice while honing your oral communication skills, don't hesitate to reach out for a chat. We can embark on a transformative journey to align with your aspirations and make the most of this incredible adventure called life.

Let’s talk about

  • Music, Country, Culture, Sports, Spirituality, Life Experiences, Science
  • Life of an International student
Book a conversation with Chandish
Imane Lafhel

Imane Lafhel

Pronoun(s): (she/her)
Faculty: Social Sciences
Language(s) : French, English, Arabic, Spanish

Hi everyone! My name is Imane. I'm a second-year student studying political science and law. I'm passionate about learning about cultures, languages, and traditions that are foreign to me. I'd love to bring this passion to the team.

I love trying new cafes, meeting new people, and learning more about their cultures. I'm a big fan of Spanish, Turkish, and Korean shows.

Come to the Julien Couture Resource Centre if you would like to discuss a topic that interests you.

I can't wait to meet you all!

Let’s talk about

  • Cultures

  • Geopolitics

  • History

  • Books

  • Travels

Book a conversation with Imane
Juan Roque Sanchez

Juan Roque Sanchez

Pronoun(s): (he/him)
Faculty: Engineering
Language(s) : Spanish, English, French, Italian (soon)

Hi! My name is Juan. I’m a fourth-year student in chemical engineering and computing technology. I was born in Mexico, but I’ve been living in Canada since 2015.

I enjoy meeting people who have just arrived in Canada and sharing my experiences as an international student. I also lived in Montreal for 5 years and could help you plan your next getaway.

I think Breaking Bad is the best series ever made; if you think otherwise, come convince me!

Let’s talk about

  • Videogames

  • Films and TV shows

  • Football

  • Music recommendations

Book a conversation with Juan
Mouna Shaweesh avatar

Mouna Shaweesh

Pronoun(s): (she/her)
Faculty: Arts
Language(s) : English, French, Arabic (B2), Korean (A2)

Hello everyone!

My name is Mouna and I’m a 3rd year student in Second Language Teaching. In my free time, I like to crochet, read, draw, and learn languages. I am currently learning Korean and Arabic. I love meeting new people and learning about their culture.

I can’t wait to meet you and hope we can learn from each other!

Let’s talk about

  • Languages, Cultures
  • Crochet
  • Arts
  • Books
  • Travel, Life experiences
Book a conversation with Mouna
Océane Desrochers

Océane Desrochers

Pronoun(s): (she/her)
Faculty: Social Sciences
Language(s) : French, English, Spanish and a little bit of Polish

Hello! My name is Océane, I'm a second-year social work student, passionate about world cultures, photography, travel, and meeting new people.

About a year ago, I moved to Ottawa and I'm enjoying discovering all the hidden secrets this city has to offer. Let me know if you'd like to learn or have any recommendations :)

If you'd like to practice your French, English, or even a little Polish or Spanish, I'd love to connect with you! Whether it's to explore your interests, share experiences, or exchange tips, I'm here to help you improve your communication skills!

I look forward to meeting you soon!

Let’s talk about

  • Music
  • Travel
  • Cultures
  • Nature
  • Physical activity
Book a conversation with Océane
Passport cover

Linguistic risk-taking initiative

The Linguistic Risk-Taking Initiative intends to encourage you to take various risks that will boost your confidence in your second or additional language. It will guide you in using our bilingual campus as a real-life language-learning resource.