Whether French is your first language or you’re new to the language of Molière, here are some of the reasons uOttawa students say they chose to study in, or learn, French.
Hospital-ready
“I’ll be starting my first job as registered nurse at The Ottawa Hospital after graduating with my BScN. Hopefully some travelling soon too!” - Rosalyn Glass - Bachelors of Science in Nursing @rosalynglass
A greenhouse for food security
“I will be volunteering with the Anicinape community of Kitcisakik to help them revitalize their food system by growing food and traditional medicinal plants in a greenhouse. I met members of this community through a community service learning activity, which motivated me to write a thesis on using greenhouses in Indigenous communities to learn more about aboriginal practices and food security so that I could evaluate their project. For me, collaboration is key to bringing about positive changes in these communities. I provide resources and knowledge and in return, I gain knowledge of a subject area that is essential to the pursuit of my goals in the field of collaborative projects and the environment.” - Stacey Olynick, BA Environmental Studies and Geography, Alex Trebek Innovation and Challenge Fund bursary recipient.
@juliana_tpln
I want to study in French to support the richness of bilingualism at our university as well as to encourage academic content and research in the social sciences.
@brankoomv
French is awesome… I am taking all my classes in French and I’ve learnt about this great language. C’est époustouflant!
@soph.renaud
Studying in French, indeed French itself, is very important for me because it gives me a sense of identity. I’m proud to be Franco-Ontarian and proud of all the challenges we’ve overcome as Franco-Ontarians (especially Regulation 17!).
@colton100000
They say you always return to your first love. French was the first foreign language that I began to learn and the first thing in my life that came easily to me. That’s why I want to maintain and improve my language skills at the University of Ottawa for the next four years studying teaching French as a second language.
@caitrd_
It’s important because it opens up so many opportunities!!! I have been able to use French while traveling, and it has definitely given me an advantage in the job hunt. I am in my final year of teachers college with a French teachable and the opportunities are endless!!! I love that I can connect and communicate with people who speak this language all over the world.
@rebecca_martin07
Because Canada is a bilingual country!! Learning French is a privilege and an asset and FUN!
@chantalprouse
I found it important to continue studying French because my mother, who is francophone, valued me learning French so much. She made sure I attended French schools and learnt it so that I could have opportunities in my future and be able to communicate with my Acadian family. I am proud to tell my family that even in university I am still able to study in French in Ontario even without leaving the province.
@davidnku
I’m an international student and I only knew how to speak French. The University of Ottawa had a reputation as one of the only large bilingual universities.
@itshns
Learning French is important to me because as a Canadian I want to be able to know and speak both official languages of my country. In addition, learning French would help me in my career and when I travel to countries such as France, Switzerland, Luxembourg and even to Quebec I will be able to communicate with the locals.
@michdolla
Hi! I’m a grad student in ergothérapie – I grew up in Montreal and came to uOttawa to challenge myself (as my mother tongue is English) and I wanted to make sure I can one day treat my clients in their language of choice J Whether I end up working in Montreal or Ottawa, bilingualism is not only important to keep my doors open – but to always make sure I am communicating with my clients in the language they are most comfortable in.
@Tristanlamonica
Studying at uOttawa in French not only gives me a competitive edge in the workplace, but helps further improve my reading and writing skills in both official languages. Additionally - studying in French means that I can continue to build my sense of belonging in the francophone community!
@rxseyyy
I’m from Montreal, and my mother tongue is French. Being bilingual is what I’m most proud of. I’ve always wanted to study in a city other than my hometown, and knowing that at the University of Ottawa I could study in my two languages, my choice was made right away. Especially since my program (nutrition sciences) is only offered in French. I love living in an English-speaking (mainly bilingual) milieu.
@saif_elh
Learning French, especially for non-French speakers opens up more opportunities career-wise and you can also make a whole set of new friends who speak the language!
@stevesangwa
Because it’s a romantic language, historical.
@daycyr
Because with French being an official language in Canada, all Canadians should have the benefit of being bilingual.
International Students
Students from around the world tell us why they picked the nation’s capital as their home away from home.
India
Aakanksha Jain
MSc in Environmental Engineering
I chose uOttawa because Ottawa is a very peaceful city to live in, and uOttawa has one of the best graduate schools in Canada.
Mauritius
Vasoudha Bye Bullo
Financial Mathematics and Economics
The bilingual society and friendly atmosphere make Ottawa so similar to home. Plus the importance given to student mental health is the cherry on the cake! Ottawa is a home-away-from-home.
Gabon
Kenne Ryan
Marketing
I chose uOttawa because I felt it was the university that had the best program in a business school with triple-crown accreditation: Telfer. What I like most about Ottawa is its cultural diversity.
Haiti
David Ronald Eveillard
Psychology
I chose Ottawa because I am bilingual and feel it offers the best kind of social immersion for international students. I also chose uOttawa because Ottawa seems to be vegan-friendly!
Ghana
Aditi Singh
Computer Science
I have no words to describe how perfect it feels to have started at uOttawa this fall. Best decision of my life!
Morocco
Rania Abi
Master's in Public and International Affairs
I chose the University of Ottawa because of its bilingualism. I can study in French while living in an Anglophone province, which is great for becoming fluently bilingual without jeopardizing my education!
The city of Ottawa is an excellent choice for several reasons, but what I like most about the city is the opportunity to be in an urban setting only a few kilometres from one of the largest parks in the area, with breathtaking scenery!
USA (Texas)
Emma Ashling Stack
Communications
I chose to attend the University of Ottawa because I was yearning to study internationally. I decided on uOttawa when I visited during an open house in March because of the wide variety of clubs and activities that uOttawa offers. I also loved the course curriculum for my program. One of my favourite aspects is the architecture throughout the city. The Parliament buildings are absolutely stunning. This university is the perfect fit for me!
USA (Vermont)
Gabbi Ward
Health Science
I chose uOttawa for its strong health sciences program and diversity. The school is also downtown, which allows students to engage in all the activities going on there. Not only is Ottawa beautiful, but there is always something to do, whether it be the Tulip Festival or a show on Parliament Hill during the summer.
Ghana
Okatayie Ofori
Commerce
I turned down eight offers and chose the University of Ottawa because I was aware of the University’s sterling reputation and I was drawn to Ottawa’s urban landscape.
Comoro Islands (Indian Ocean)
Amina Alnemer
Public Administration
For its bilingual side (of course), and the fact that it’s located in the capital, and also due to the excellent reputation of its alumni and future alumni. I appreciate the calmness of the city.
Morocco
Ismail Hassar
Finance
Why uOttawa? First because it’s one of the best universities in Canada, and because it has programs that highlight both languages. What I like most about the city of Ottawa is its location near Montreal, New York, Boston and Toronto, and since it’s the capital, there are more opportunities and it’s a great place to live.
Iran
Mana H. Khosrowshahi
Conflict Studies and Human Rights
I love that Ottawa is such a cozy place and that you get to have everything but avoid the noise and rush of a city like Toronto. Ottawa is very clean too. I chose uOttawa because my program (Conflict Studies and Human Rights) is unique in Canada and I believe the University really has a forward way of thinking, with all its new investment in faculties. I also love the political vibes of the city.
Nigeria
Grace Toé
Biology
I think that the diversity of students attracted me the most. I love the fact you are so active on social media.
France
Miléna Franchebois
History
I chose uOttawa because it is located in Canada, a country I fell in love with when I visited it two years ago. In addition, the partial tuition fee waiver is very attractive. Ottawa seems to be a very multicultural city and there’s also Parliament. The University of Ottawa has so many programs and events. It’s like a dream for French girls like me; it’s like living in an American movie.
Top 5 Benefits of Studying in a Second Language TFO