Colony Recruitment/Membership and Study Abroad?
 

Last year (my sophomore year), at my university. For whatever reason, I didn't find a home, and I accepted that though it was hard at first. Despite my recruitment experience (which I did thoroughly enjoy, despite it not having the outcome I had wanted), I still respect Greek Life immensely, and know many girls (my own older sister included) who are still very involved, both on my campus and elsewhere. I thought the opportunity was closed for me, but that was okay.

Today, I heard from a friend in a fraternity at our school that a new sorority is colonizing at our school. I did some research, and found out that it's an organization in which many girls I know and love are members, and that I've grown to respect greatly. Though I know colony recruitment is tough, I really think it might be worthwhile for me to try it out, just so I know I took the chance. Best case scenario, I become a member of a fantastic organization; worst case scenario, I go on living a life with which I am very happy. There's no way I could lose.

There is, however, one issue: I'm planning on studying abroad next spring semester. My particular program has very strict rules about when people can study abroad. I cannot study abroad in my first semester in the program (which will be next semester, as I transferred in late), nor in my senior year, which leaves next spring as my only opportunity. Studying abroad is something I've looked forward to since freshman year, and is highly recommended by my program. Further, everyone I know who didn't study abroad in college told me that it's one of their biggest regrets. Knowing how badly I'd like to study abroad, it's not an opportunity I'd readily pass up.

So, after I wrote you all a novel, my question is this: Generally, is it possible to join a colony (supposing I were to get a bid, and I realize I may not) in the Fall AND study abroad in the Spring? I realize that knowing I plan on leaving a semester could hurt my chances at receiving a bid, but if they were to extend one to me, would I be able to do both? I also won't know whether or not I was accepted to the study abroad program of my choice until AFTER colony recruitment would be, if that provides any more insight at all. Thanks so much!

You shouldn't have any problem there. Most pledge programs are under one semester, though you should check with the colony when rushing.

Good luck!

Do you mean at your school, or at other schools? Even if there are women in ABC at another school that you like a lot, they may be NOTHING like the women who are chosen to start the colony at your school. Those women will be chosen mainly by the sorority's national officers and/or volunteers. Obviously they often have a different idea of what they find desirable in a sister than a 19-21 college student does.

Every colony's timetable is different. If they are coming to your campus in the fall, however, it's quite possible that the women they choose to charter will not meet the chartering requirements until the next spring (when you're abroad). That doesn't, however, mean you'll automatically not be chosen - it just means you might not get initiated with the rest of your chartering sisters.

Here is the rush thread of another girl who had similar circumstances.

http://www.greekchat.com/gcforums/sh...ad.php?t=80655

Yes, it is possible. I wouldn't even necessarily bring it up when going through colony recruitment. I wouldn't lie about it, or say something like you can't wait to hold an office in the spring, but I wouldn't volunteer the info, either.

You will miss out on some of the colony experiences, but nothing says you can't do both.

(and btw, I think studying abroad is the best thing I did in college)

I think you have a great attitude! You should listen to the advice given and go with your gut. Like you said, it wouldn't hurt to go for it. Yes you'll be gone one semester, but you'll also be there many semesters and might bring something great to the organization. Honestly, I think it would be awesome to say, "Oh yeah, many of our sisters study abroad for a semester." I say, go for it! You may get everything you want ;)

should you become a colony member, please do tell the sorority as soon as you know that you will be studying abroad. good luck in both endeavors!

Although I've never personally experienced a colonization, I understand it is a huge amount of work for everyone involved. I think the sorority deserves to know that you are planning to study abroad during the critical semester that you're likely to be chartering. They may be fine with that, but I think you need to be honest about it and let them make the decision.