The question should be formulated more exactly: What would I like to learn in Shaolin and which perfection would I like to accomplish? This depends on your previous knowledge and how fast you will learn new techniques. Without appropriate previous knowledge you must train harder and longer. The "normal" Chinese Shaolin student trains at least 3 years daily 8 hours and 6 days the week. The Shaolin monks in the monastery train their whole life and achieve this high level of perfection but they would never say, they are perfect!

As a Lao Wei (foreigner) you should train at least 3 months. The first 2 weeks will demand everything. Usually follows 1 week of extreme pain for your body due to the unusual meal and the missing hygiene. Afterwards at least 2 weeks you will have sore muscles so that each step means only pain. After this time training will be effective and bearable.