UC Davis Launches First English Course on Coursera for International Learners

In January 2025, UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education (CPE) launched its first English language course on Coursera — a significant step in expanding the university’s global footprint and advancing its mission to increase access to education. 

The Building Basic English Skills A1/A2 Specialization is designed for international learners at the beginner level who seek to strengthen their English proficiency for academic, professional or personal goals. The program delivers foundational instruction across reading, writing, listening and speaking, with an emphasis on practical application and learner confidence. 

“We wanted to share our expertise in teaching English with the Coursera audience because English proficiency opens doors for learners worldwide,” said Alex Lowrie, director of strategic partnerships at UC Davis CPE. “It can help learners gain admission to prestigious universities, thrive in a global workplace and connect with new people and cultures.” 

As UC Davis’ first English-as-a-second-language (ESL) offering on Coursera — a platform with more than 140 million registered users across 190 countries — this specialization underscores the university’s commitment to advancing equitable access to education, supporting international workforce development and serving learners where they are. 

Who This Course Is For 

The Building Basic English Skills A1/A2 Specialization was created with a broad international audience in mind — and early enrollment data confirms that its impact is reaching far and wide. 

While the course is designed for beginner-level learners of English, the actual audience reflects a remarkable range of ages, educational backgrounds and professional goals. Learners include university and high school students, working adults pursuing career advancement, and individuals returning to language learning after time away. Many already possess some exposure to English, particularly in reading and writing, and are now looking to strengthen their speaking and listening skills. 

Institutional participation has also been strong. Universities, open learning institutions and workforce development agencies in various countries have taken up the specialization as part of their training offerings, viewing English proficiency as a core skill for mobility in today’s global economy. 

The program is particularly well-suited for: 

• Students preparing for study in English-speaking institutions 
• Professionals pursuing career advancement or international opportunities 
• Career changers entering fields where knowing English is an advantage 
• Adults seeking to refresh and strengthen foundational English skills 

Regardless of background, all learners share a common goal: to build the confidence and competence to use English in real-world settings. 

What Learners Will Gain 

The Building Basic English Skills A1/A2 Specialization is designed to provide international learners with a practical and comprehensive foundation in English. The four-course specialization focuses on the development of essential language skills, with an emphasis on applied grammar and real-world communication. 

Each course is structured around everyday themes — including travel, food, health and hobbies — to help learners build vocabulary and express themselves confidently in full sentences and short paragraphs. 

By the end of the specialization, learners will: 

• Build foundational vocabulary and grammar for beginner-level English use 
• Develop confidence in writing and speaking about familiar topics 
• Practice reading and listening comprehension using conversational English
• Gain readiness for more advanced English study that can facilitate entry into English-language academic or professional environments 

The specialization offers flexibility for learners to progress at their own pace and is an ideal starting point for those who plan to pursue intermediate English learning or who need a structured refresher to re-engage with the language. 

What Makes This Course Special 

One of the most distinctive features of the Building Basic English Skills A1/A2 Specialization is its integration of AI-powered writing coaching and dialogue assignments. These tools provide learners with authentic practice and personalized, real-time feedback as they practice written English, allowing them to strengthen their grammar, sentence structure and vocabulary through immediate, low-stakes interaction. 

The specialization also includes an applied learning project, where students can apply their skills using engaging themes like travel, food and sports. These projects encourage active participation and help learners see immediate relevance in what they’re learning. 

Looking ahead, UC Davis CPE plans to expand these features as technology evolves. Once Coursera implements an audio version of the AI coach, speaking practice will become a richer, more integral part of the learning experience. 

Another key feature of the specialization is instructor Christina Gifford, a seasoned English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) educator with a passion for helping students succeed. 

Gifford brings more than just academic credentials to the program. She is known for her approachable teaching style, patience and creativity in the classroom and is deeply committed to finding ways to support her students. 

Why UC Davis and Why Now 

As a premier institution that drives thought leadership and educational access on a global scale, UC Davis is committed to expanding access to high-quality, workforce-relevant learning. The launch of the Building Basic English Skills A1/A2 Specialization on Coursera is a natural extension of that mission — and a timely one. 

“English remains the most studied language in the world, and proficiency is increasingly seen as a gateway skill for higher education, career growth and global mobility,” said Lowrie. “Learners often have some exposure to English but lack the opportunity to develop confidence in speaking or writing. This specialization is perfect for that!” 

For partners around the world, this specialization is a trusted, ready-to-use resource for strengthening English proficiency — a skill that unlocks opportunities and advances economic resilience in both individuals and communities. 

This article was kickstarted by AI and handcrafted to completion by the marketing staff at UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education, who are responsible for the final product. By combining technology and human expertise, the article is accurate, engaging (at least we hope you think so!) and written efficiently.