French Lessons in Ottawa

In Canada’s capital city, Ottawa, French and English intertwine harmoniously, so it’s not uncommon to hear locals greet each other with both “Bonjour” and “Hello”. As a bastion of bilingualism, this city is ideal for those who want to explore the richness of the French language and discover the way French culture has influenced the rich bicultural identity of the country. By taking French classes in Ottawa, you’ll get to truly connect with locals who only speak French, which make around the 8.6% of the total population according to the 2011 census and become a part of the extensive bilingual sector of the community. This will not only improve your social life, but it will grant you access to better job opportunities, especially in the government sector, and to numerous events that celebrate Francophone cultures.

 

Learn French for Work and Travel

Becoming bilingual in Ottawa will increase your employability and allow you to access better job positions. This is especially true if you’re interested in working in one of the many government institutions that have headquarters in the city, as proficiency in French is often a requirement. On top of that, many important companies that operate from the city, such as EY and Randstand Canada require workers to be bilingual in order to serve a more diverse clientele and reach new clients in various parts of the city. Mastering French will also come in handy when applying for jobs in fields such as customer service and hospitality, and even if the job you’re interested in has no bilingual requisite, it will definitely help you boost your CV and stand out from other candidates.

In addition to improving your professional life, learning French will come in handy next time you travel. As you probably know, French is one of the most widespread languages in the world, and it’s the official language of 28 independent nations. These include Monaco, Switzerland, Luxembourg, and of course, France. As you can imagine, visiting any of these countries or the many others where French is spoken as a fluent speaker will completely change the way you experience them. You’ll not only be able to connect with locals and make long-lasting friendships there, but you’ll also get to know the local traditions and way of life in a way that most monolingual tourists can’t. 

Learn French for Social

Ottawa hosts numerous events and festivals that celebrate the vibrant French culture and heritage, and by learning the language, you’ll be able to truly appreciate them. One of the most popular ones is the Festival Franco-Ontarian, which takes place every year during the summer at the Major Hill’s Park. It celebrates francophone culture by showcasing some of the best French-speaking artists and performers of the area, as well as foreign musicians from Europe and Africa. In addition to enjoying great music in French, attendees are able to try delicious food, and engage in fun games for the whole family, so it’s a great place to be for those who want to experience a day filled with great activities that celebrate French culture.

Those who prefer to avoid crowds and attend smaller events should consider attending some of the film screenings held by the Alliance Française Ottawa. This international organization, located at 352 MacLaren St, hosts film nights every month, so you’ll be able to boost your listening 

Learn French for Culture

Learning French will make your social life flourish in the city. You’ll not only be able to integrate seamlessly into French communities all around the country, but also connect with foreign-born locals who come from Europe and Africa. Once you can hold a simple conversation, you’ll be able to practise your skills at local language exchange events and socialize with both locals and foreigners in both English and French. This is not only a fun way of making new friends, but also a gate to many new, stimulating conversations with total strangers.

If you’ve never attended a language exchange before, you can start by paying a visit to the BlaBla Language Exchange Ottawa. This fun event takes place at the Elgin Beer Project, located at 399 Elgin St, and it’s completely free. If you attend, you’ll be able to meet other language enthusiasts from all over the world and improve your skills while you enjoy something to drink. On the other hand, if you’re already an advanced French speaker, you should consider attending the Ottawa French Conversation Express Meetup, which takes place at Starbucks Cafés, located at 349-A Preston Street. This exchange is intended for learners who have been studying the language for a while but need extra help to boost their conversational skills. Although this event is not free, it’s definitely a good investment if you want to practise what you learn in class.

Where to learn French in and around Ottawa?

Now that you’re aware of some of the reasons why you should study the language in the city, you’re probably wondering where you can get French classes near you. The Ottawa Public Library offers a wide range of free French language classes and resources for all ages, so it’s a great option for those on a budget or those who are just starting out and want to learn the basics. However, if you really want to reach all of your potential and acquire the skills that you need to communicate confidently in the city, the smartest thing you can do is book a course with us at Listen & Learn. We have some of the best native tutors, who will craft completely personalized classes for you based on your current interests and needs. Whether you want to focus on Business French, or learn useful idioms for your next trip, send us an inquiry, and we’ll help you find the best French course for you.