Colony Recruitment/Membership and Study Abroad?

[vegetablecar]

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!