Foreign Exchange Student
 

Hey, I've done a few searches and have found out lots of helpful information, but still have a few questions.

I'm currently a fresher at a top uni in the uk and as of August I will be on an exchange programme for a year at the University of Kansas. I'm obviously really excited about spending a year in a new country, but I have found out about sororities and it is really something I'd love to be involved in. You guys are so lucky to have these organisations to be a part of.

Looking at conversions to GPA, my grades are definitely above the 2.8 they ask for and I have always been heavily involved in sport, drama and charity work. I just worry that as I will only be there for a year and as I'll be a year older than most people rushing, there would not be much point in me trying. Am I even allowed to rush? I know that people from my uni joined sororities at William & Mary, but I don't know if it's very competitive there. Is it competitive at Kansas?

I've read the greek website for KU fully and it mentions recs. Obviously as an international these will be hard to get. Does anyone know if they're necessary? The website seemed to imply that for some houses they are. Does anyone know if there are any ways for internationals to get recs?

I understand that I won't be very desirable and would not expect a bid, but would I stand any chance if I were to rush? Also, do you know of any cases when international exchange students have rushed at any unis?

Thankyou in advance xxx

I've contacted the greek office to ask whether I'm eligible and have yet to hear a reply. Does anyone know how quickly they usually get back to queries? I'm used to same-day responses when I email people at my university and so don't know whether to contact them again yet or to wait a little bit longer. I can't just go ahead and register because I don't know how they'd want to convert my grades into gpa format.

Does anyone know how I could try and get recs?

Aren't there NPCs or whatever they are called in the UK? I know a lot of American and Canadian Greeks end up in the UK.

My sorority has a European alumnae chapter, and I would assume others do too. On our international website, sigmakappa.org, it's listed under France, but there are women from all over Europe, including the UK. Email the European Alumnae chapter president and see if she could put you in contact with an alumna close to you to write you a rec.

A positive is that you're an international student; this would be novel to chapters, but they might still look at only having a year to be an active member as a negative, so don't take it personally if you are cut heavily.

Hi EnglishRose...where in the UK are you? If you find out you are eligible for recruitment and are near (or willing to travel) to Gloucestershire, I'd be happy to meet up with you for lunch and talk to you about Greek Life and possibly provide you with a rec to Delta Gamma.

I've had a bit of an unclear email:

"I am glad that you are interested in Recruitment, yet according to NPC, all women participating in formal recruitment must be a "regularly matriculated student in the institution to be eligible to participate in formal recruitment." I believe regularly matriculated students by definition must be degree seeking students. From that perspective I do not believe you would be eligible, however, I think ultimately it should be left up to your decision. Hope this helps!"

I don't really understand how it can be my decision if they don't think I'm eligible. But it sounds as though ku don't have any specific rules against it, they're just unsure if the NPC do. I know exchange students from my uni that have joined npc sororities, so does that mean I would be eligible? It also doesn't clear up what I'd do about my application in terms of grades etc.

WhiteDaisy, I don't live near Gloucestershire, but I have a friend in Cheltenham that I am visiting next month and so could possible tie that in with meeting you. That would be great. I'll contact you on here if I do decide to apply.

If the university considers you a regular student, then so does NPC. The Greek Affairs office at KU would be the appropriate place to find out. And they will convert your grades to our GPA system. Don't worry about that. Other foreign students have done this so just rely on the GA's office to help you.

At some colleges/universities, there's a certain cachet about having a foreign student in their sorority. Here's hoping that U of Kansas is one of them!



Btw, I have a good friend in Shropshire. ;)

English Rose,

There is a Greek Alumnae group in London that might be able to help. I believe the American Embassy information section might have their contact details. Also, the University Womens Club on South Audley St, London should be able to help you connect with American Sorority alumnae in the UK.

I cannot speak for sorority policies but among US fraternities there would be no problem at all.

By the way, matriculation in the US is viewed slightly differently than in the UK. As a member of your own uni and an enrolled student at a US uni you should be fine as far as that issue goes.

May I ask which is your uni? I'm a dark blue but only as a graduate student for an MA in comparative law a couple of years back. My cousin Chip is a Castle man at Durham and was first eight on the river.

ITA -- it's such a nice thing to have friends overseas.

My older sibling has a fraternity brother from Australia, and he's quite the popular fellow. All the brothers love to visit him, and vice-versa.

Well that really was a bit ambiguous. I know for Delta Gamma, specifically, you have to be a "Full time student" - and I would assume that as an exchange student, you are considered full time. I'll shoot one of our Collegiate specialists an e-mail to get her opinion.

In any case, I do hope it works out for you. If you are visiting a friend in Cheltenham, it'd be very convenient to meet up. We are in a village right outside of Cheltenham. I can also put you in contact with our London Alumnae Association if it is easier for you.

Good luck getting a straight answer. I believe DG follows pretty similar "rules" as everyone else, so maybe my Collegiate Specialist friend can help shed light. I'll let you know what she says.