Students on campus

English as a Second Language (ESL)

Do you picture yourself working in a bilingual context?

ESL programs are designed to improve and broaden your English language skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking) and knowledge of specialized areas such as grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation and cultural awareness. Course units from these programs count for credits and students from all faculties can register.

Why choose this program

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  • Develop your English through a variety of learning activities using motivating instructional materials.
  • The program includes a rich blend of content and task-based approaches, hybrid course offerings, experiential learning and community engagement.
  • Be prepared to use English appropriately and confidently in a variety of social, academic and professional contexts.
  • Your learning is supported by innovative and traditional learning resources, such as multimedia materials and language labs, a resource centre, web-based activities, conversation workshops and a dynamic students’ association!

Possible program combinations with the ESL program include:

  • ESL and Second Language Teaching
  • ESL and History
  • ESL and Communication
  • ESL and Political Science

Browse program options

Major in English as a Second Language (ESL)

The Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute (OLBI) offers four programs in English as a second language, each tailored to your needs, skill level, and communication goals: a major, a basic minor, an advanced minor and a microprogram.

Our programs are designed to improve and broaden your skills in your second language. Courses focus on the four essential language skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking) and on more specialized areas, such as grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation and culture.

You develop your English through a variety of learning activities using motivating instructional materials. Your learning is supported by innovative and traditional learning resources, such as multimedia materials and language labs, the Julien Couture Resource Centre (JCRC), web-based activities and conversation groups.

This program is offered in English and only to non-Anglophone students.

View the Major in English as a Second Language (ESL) program requirements.

Admission requirements and deadlines for English as a Second Language (ESL)

After your studies

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After your studies, you’ll be prepared for careers in a variety of fields, including:

  • Second Language Teaching
  • Translation
  • Interpretation
  • Public Relations
  • Public Service
  • Foreign Affairs
  • Creative or Technical Writing
students around computer

Learn more about language tests

OLBI offers a suite of language tests for a variety of stakeholders and purposes. We follow international best practice in test design, administration, scoring and reporting procedures.

Student experience

Conversation partners at the JCRC

English conversation workshops

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

ILOBify helps you find resources and services to express yourself confidently and comfortably in English and French.
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Student for a day program

Nervous about university? Experience campus life and get your questions answered with our Student for a Day program!

Contact us

Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute (OLBI)

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

Tel.: 613-562-5743
[email protected]

Questions about this program?

We are here to help!

Email us at [email protected]