After the third training session, in the afternoon, the students are exhausted.

"It's extremely tiring but I am used to it," said Valerie, who added he is physically stronger than when he started.

Wang, the dean, said the temple does not force its beliefs on the African students.

"Though we provide free accommodation and training, and even robes, shoes, socks and other basics for needy African students, we don't force them to cultivate themselves according to a strict religious doctrine," said.

However, Valerie and his friends attend morning prayers, which he said are "pleasant to hear and can quiet our hearts".

Emmanuel Ngalle, 26, from Cameroon, has taken longer to learn Chinese than Valerie has, but Ngalle likes meditating and is interested in Chinese art. In his spare time, he listens to Chinese pop songs and can now sing two Chinese hit songs.

Emmanuel's next goal is to learn Henan opera. "We have a cook where we live, and he likes Henan opera, so he tunes into the same channel on the radio every day," he said.

After 19 months in the Shaolin Temple, Emmanuel is still getting used to Chinese food.

Wang said: "Each student is different in personality. Some convert to Buddhism when they come here. Others focus more on kung fu."

They also pick up other aspects of Chinese culture as they continue their studies.

Michael wants to study Shaolin medicine, but "my language is not good enough. Once it is good, I'll learn medicine and tuina massage."

Despite their uniform gray robes and cotton shoes, they have different dreams for the future.

"I want to go home to find a kung fu school and teach kung fu to local children who cannot afford to study in China," Valerie said.

"Maybe I'll start a school with different courses, not just kung fu, but Chinese language and culture," said Emmanuel.