Students from six countries learn to write Chinese characters in a calligraphy class in Suzhou. [Photo/ Suzhou Daily]

The 2014 International Young Leaders Forum was held at the Suzhou Foreign Languages School during Nov 24-28.

About 100 students from Ireland, Australia, South Korea, Indonesia, Singapore and China discussed interesting topics and took part in city exploration and cultural activities in teams. They gained a better understanding of each other's culture after five days of interactive learning.

With "Conflict and Fusion" as the main theme, the forum discussed issues such as the 800-year conflict between Ireland and England, the fast spread of South Korean pop culture, and the incongruity between the Starbucks store and the historical Shantang Street in Suzhou.

Foreign students also made good use of their time to experience Chinese culture. They attended calligraphy, paper-cutting, embroidery and other classes, and made many new friends. Also, they visited Suzhou gardens, historical blocks, and museums during their five-day stay in Suzhou.

In addition, this year is the 20th anniversary of Suzhou Foreign Languages School, and the forum is also seemed as a part of the celebrations. It hopes to show the foreign students a better image of Suzhou and Suzhou Foreign Languages Schools.