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Second Language Teaching (SLT)

Learn more about language teaching and how to transmit your love of a language and its culture

Whether you plan to teach French or English, in Canada or abroad, you can get a head start by taking our second language teaching program. Offered jointly by the Faculty of Education and the Faculty of Arts through the Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute (OLBI), this interdisciplinary undergraduate program is the only one of its kind in Canada and serves as a central launching point for a career in the world of Second Language teaching and learning. Courses cover the theories of language acquisition, as well as second language learning and teaching and explore the interrelationships between language, culture and society. During your training, you will design teaching activities based on the latest educational research and methods, and you’ll have a chance to apply your knowledge during a professional internship in an educational or community setting.

Why choose this program

Students working outside

Second Language Teaching (SLT) is an excellent program for preparing for entry into the Bachelor of Education. Through the Second Language Teaching Program, you will:

  • Gain a solid foundation in the various theories and methods used to teach and learn second languages
  • Better understand the challenges related to teaching languages in various contexts
  • Learn to evaluate the skills of learners and design an action plan that meets their needs
  • Strengthen your language skills in the language you wish to teach
  • Qualify for one of 40 spots reserved for graduates of the Second Language Teaching Program at the Faculty of Education, Teacher Education, allowing you to earn a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) so you can teach in elementary or high schools.
Samantha Toh
Student testimonial
“The Second Language Teaching program introduced me to the world of teaching before I began my Master's in Bilingualism Studies. I had the chance to apply what I was learning in the classroom and get work experience as a tutor and teaching assistant.”

Samantha Toh

— Graduate of the Honours BA in Second Language Teaching program

Browse program options

Honours BA in Second Language Teaching (SLT) - Teach French

Most extensive and focused study in teaching of French as a second language.

Can include a major or a minor in another program of study.

Typical combinations

  • B.A. in Second Language Teaching + French
  • B.A. in Second Language Teaching + French as a second language
  • B.A. in Second Language Teaching + English
  • B.A. in Second Language Teaching + English as a second language
  • B.A. in Second Language Teaching + Geography
  • B.A. in Second Language Teaching + History
  • B.A. in Second Language Teaching + Human Kinetics
  • B.A. in Second Language Teaching + Sciences
  • B.A. in Second Language Teaching + Mathematics
  • B.A. in Second Language Teaching + Arts (Music, Drama, Visual arts)
  • B.A. in Second Language Teaching + Psychology

Admission requirements and deadlines for Second Language Teaching (SLT)

Career opportunities

A woman sitting at her computer
  • Teaching elementary and high school students, and adult learners
  • Academic counselling
  • Language teaching coordination
  • Academic program management
  • Educational material design
  • Second language research
  • Language skills assessment
  • Promotion of official languages
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Learn more about the 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

Anne Thibert

Curbing linguistic insecurity: A graduate’s ambitious vision

Anne Thibert is a new graduate of the Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute’s Honours BA in Second Language Teaching program – Teaching Englis…
Mylan Allen

Multilingualism: A rewarding, nonlinear journey

Mylan Allen’s journey to graduation from OLBI’s Second Language Teaching program (with a specialization in teaching French and a minor in Spanish) is …
A student sitting outside Tabaret

Student for a day program

Does the transition to university seem a bit intimidating? For a taste of what to expect, and answers to your questions, try our Student for a Day pro…
Four students sitting at a table together at the Julien Couture Resource Centre
Second Language Teaching
Hear from our students

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]

Office hours

September to May
Monday to Friday
9 am to 12 pm
1 pm to 4 pm

June to August
Monday to Friday
9 am to 12 pm
1 pm to 3:30 pm