Pupils at a Rotorua intermediate school are polishing their Mandarin skills as they prepare to fully immerse themselves in the Chinese language and culture.
Kaitao Middle School is sending 14 pupils to China next week to experience the country, language and history first hand.
With Chinese Language Week in full flight this week, principal Rory O'Rourke is reiterating the importance of learning about another culture.
"China is quickly becoming New Zealand's largest economic and trade partner so providing the opportunity to learn the Chinese language will give our pupils many more job prospects.
"Rotorua in particular is a tourist Mecca for Chinese visitors so the more pupils who can speak Mandarin the better."