University Park might seem to offer freedom for many students, but Finland natives Petteri and Pia Alinikula recently told a State College audience that young people in their country are more independent.

The Finnish University students spoke at the March 7 International Forum Series presentation at Schlow Memorial Library, describing many aspects of Finland and showing slides of historical Helsinki, the capital.

Because education is free in Finland, younger generations experience independence at an earlier age, Petteri Alinikula said. The husband and wife team also described the living conditions they experienced living in both Western and Eastern Europe.

Each semester the Community International Hospitality Council and the library, 100 E. Beaver Ave., sponsors three to four programs featuring speakers who discuss their native countries.

By offering a slide show and question-and-answer session, the series enables the community to find out information about foreign countries, said Schlow Memorial Adult Head Librarian Dana Ruby. The speakers construct a presentation on any aspect of the The main focus of the series is to introduce people from international countries and to present aspects of the international scene, Ruby said.

The size of the audience depends on the local interest in a particular country, she said. About 15 to 20 people attend each series.

The hospitality council began in 1961 as a volunteer effort to coordinate messages and activities flowing both to and from the small group of temporary foreign residents of Centre County, said CIHC Program Coordinator Mary Boyer.

The group develops programs to aid people with adjusting to a different culture. It encourages friendships and creates opportunities for intercultural exchange, she said.

During orientation week in August, the CIHC recruits international students to take part in the series.

"We try to get a variety of speakers from various parts of the world," Boyer said.

Gelma Leiva conducted a general talk about Ecuador at the Feb. 7 presentation. Leiva described the four different regions of Ecuador and the types of people living in each region, Boyer said.

In the past, Peace Corp members have volunteered when student speakers were unavailable.

"I think the International Forum Series is a good program -- some countries get a bigger response than others," Ruby said.