A professional moving abroad for work wants to learn the local language quickly. She studied it at school years ago and remembers a little. She visits a language school's website, which lists courses from A1 to C2. She has no idea which is right for her. Is she a beginner or not? Would she be bored or lost? She emails to ask. The reply comes three days later, by which time she has enrolled in an online course that offered a free level test.
Level questions come first for most language learners. Answering them quickly fills classes with the right students.
What learners ask
Learners usually ask which level they are, how the placement test works, how long each course lasts, how many hours a week classes run, how big classes are, whether classes are in person or online, what courses cost, whether there are exam preparation courses, whether a certificate is given and when the next course starts.
Example conversations
These scripts use information a language school might publish. Your answers should come from your own pages.
Learner: I studied Spanish at school years ago. Which level am I? Assistant: The school uses a short placement test to find the right level, and it's free. The levels page explains what each level covers. Could you share your name and email so the team can send you the test, and tell me whether you'd prefer in-person or online classes?
Learner: How big are the classes? Assistant: The courses page explains that group classes have a maximum of ten students, with private lessons also available.
Learner: When does the next beginners course start? Assistant: The timetable page lists upcoming start dates for each level.
Explaining levels in plain words
Level codes mean little to most learners. A plain description of each level, such as "you can introduce yourself and handle simple conversations," helps learners place themselves before the test.
Goals matter
Learners have different goals: work, travel, exams, family or moving abroad. Capturing the goal helps the school suggest the right course.
Exam preparation
Many learners need a specific exam for work, study or residency. Explaining which exams the school prepares for, and course lengths, answers an important question.
International learners
Many learners are not native speakers of the school's main language. SpideyChat replies in the visitor's language, which helps learners who are not yet confident. Online education providers see the same need, described in AI chatbots for online education and course creators.
Pre-course questions in other settings
Salons answer patch test and preparation questions before first appointments, as described in patch tests, aftercare and pre-appointment questions. Language schools answer level questions in the same spirit.
Testing the assistant
Before launching, test the assistant with real past enquiries, as described in testing assistant with real past enquiries.
Sensitive situations
Some learners are refugees or new arrivals facing difficult circumstances. Responding with care, as described in how to handle sensitive questions in your chatbot, matters.
Answering at any hour
SpideyChat for language schools answers course and level questions from your own pages at any hour and captures placement test requests.
A levels and courses page
Publish plain-language level descriptions, course details and how to take the placement test. Try SpideyChat on your own site, or read about capture on the features page.