But for six pupils at George Street Normal School, in Dunedin, they will be necessary skills when they embark on a school exchange to Gifu Shotoku Gakuen Primary School, near Kyoto, next week.
Deputy principal Leanne Hill said pupils from Gifu had spent a week at George Street school for the past three years and this was the school's first reciprocal visit.
"As well as experiencing Japanese culture first-hand and answering the questions children of George Street have asked us to research, we are planning to share some aspects of New Zealand culture in the classes and children we visit."
Miss Hill said the whole school had been preparing for the visit during the past couple of terms through its electives programme in which the pupils learnt the language and customs, prepared a presentation about New Zealand tradition and culture, and learnt about risk matrix (what to do in dangerous situations) and exchange rates.
"We hope to report back about our adventures both via a blog while we are away, and over the weeks following, via assemblies and class visits."
Miss Hill said both schools had the support and encouragement of their adjacent universities to allow children to establish regular live video-conferencing.
It aimed to build understanding and excitement as "screen buddies". This had now developed as the most important part of the relationship, while visits were the "icing on the cake".
The pupils were very excited and it seemed that Christmas had come early for Tutawake Dickel-Smith.
"Only three more sleeps until we go," he said.
