1 / 4   Away from the comforts and familiarity of home, a group of African teenagers traveled to China to learn an ancient art. Eddie from Sierra Leone shows his extraordinary flexibility and balance performing acrobatic moves at Wuqiao Acrobatic Art School in north China’s Hebei Province. /VCG Photo

2 / 4   The students, including 15-year-old Bett (R), the youngest acrobat student this year, are taking part in a yearlong training program on Chinese government scholarships. /VCG Photo

3 / 4   The training, offering courses like foot juggling, plate-spinning and diabolo playing, best suits the individual according to their physical ability and personal preferences. Exposure to other aspects of Chinese art and culture, like paper cutting, has also been arranged. /VCG Photo

4 / 4   Many of the students say they plan to choose acrobatics-related jobs after returning to their countries. Since 2002, about 100 graduates from the school have performed around the world. /VCG Photo