English student studying in Florida

[FSUZeta]

jennifer-ashley-you cannot request to pledge as a quota addition(or anything else for that matter). the greek life office has a set of rules they go by, and you will fit somewhere into the rules. the greek life office will tell you in to which category you fall.

[jj2203]

I'm an exchange student also, and the University I go too does the International Greek Exchange, whereby you get to participate in all events with a sorority, though you are never a full member. It has worked out brilliantly for me, as being with these girls for a year has been awesome, but I feel to truly understand said GLO you would have to be a member for longer, to experience the whole thing Good luck though xx

[AZTheta]

Originally Posted by jj2203

I'm an exchange student also, and the University I go too does the International Greek Exchange, whereby you get to participate in all events with a sorority, though you are never a full member. It has worked out brilliantly for me, as being with these girls for a year has been awesome, but I feel to truly understand said GLO you would have to be a member for longer, to experience the whole thing Good luck though xx

Could you kindly elaborate?

[33girl]

This may be at a campus with all local sororities.

[FSUZeta]

i have never heard of this program jj2203. can you explain a bit more about how it works?

[jj2203]

You just get to participate in events, date parties, homecoming, philanthropy etc. but don't get iniatiated/learn ritual... it's to give exchange students a taste of greek life.

33girl - there are no locals at my school

[AZTheta]

Originally Posted by jj2203

You just get to participate in events, date parties, homecoming, philanthropy etc. but don't get iniatiated/learn ritual... it's to give exchange students a taste of greek life.

33girl - there are no locals at my school

Huh. Never heard of this. I wonder what the implications are in terms of Risk Management? (having a non-member participate in events). For example, for my GLO, you'd be considered a guest at date parties and other events that the fraternity sponsors (such as events associated with Homecoming). Anyone can participate in a campus-wide philanthropy, no restrictions there.

So you are not a dues-paying member, but essentially a guest, correct?

Also - you're describing primarily social aspects of Greek Life. That's the only taste of Greek life I see. Hmm.

[33girl]

What university was this, and what sorority did you participate with?

I'm sure everyone would like to know so they could approach their own GLO and/or campus about such a program.

[jj2203]

It's the University of Oklahoma. 8 Sororities and 3 Fraternities are involved, though this is only the 2nd year of the programme and it is ever growing. 2 girls too each house, and 3 boys to each house. OU is a HUGE exchange school, there are literally hundreds off us, and it allows us to get a little taste of greek life, and make new friends etc. - especially as we have nothing like this at home. It's a really good programme and run but the Student Association, IFC and Panhel I believe. For the purpose of things such as intermurals etc. we are considered members of said organisation, and for other things as well... not really sure what the ins and outs are but i'm sure they have everything covered due to it being campus wide

[jj2203]

Aztheta - yes just a taste, but I feel from what I see with the close bonds of the sisters, them living together in the house etc. it would not be the same to only be a member for a year, that's what I was trying to explain to the young lady was that she would only get a whirlwind experience... and maybe to see if the school does any programmes such as the one i described above

[AZTheta]

I'll be... I went to the OU Greek Life website and sure enough, there's a statement about how "many fraternities and sororities adopt international students." Learned something surprising and new today.

http://www.ou.edu/content/studentlif...lved/fssl.html

[DeltaBetaBaby]

I'm a little shocked that people would come from abroad to go to Oklahoma.

[Regina.George]

Originally Posted by DeltaBetaBaby

I'm a little shocked that people would come from abroad to go to Oklahoma.

Why would you be shocked by this?

[jj2203]

Ha ha I know right? I'm from Scotland, and we have a really good exchange programme with OU, needless to say i'm loving it here!

AzTheta - I know, we all got an email asking if we wanted to sign up, it was a huge hit and 100's of people filled out the application - i guess I was one of the lucky ones!

[AZTheta]

You ARE indeed one of the lucky ones. And, from the sound of your writing, whichever sorority you landed in is also lucky to have you.

I am going to research the program this summer. From the website, I read that it's in the early stages and I'd like to learn more about it. Thank you for sharing your school with us.

Oklahoma - if I am not mistaken, isn't that a Tier One research university? So I'm not shocked that it would be attractive, on that basis alone.

Side thought: I know that UCBerkeley has a sizable foreign student enrollment. OK OK the California girl only thinks of California, I know, I know. I expect there are other universities with large enrollments of foreign students. Hmmm.