August 2013

“SO GREEKS AREN’T FROM GREECE?” An International Student’s

Guide to Greek Life Fraternities and Sororities are socially based organizations intended to help develop the undergraduate student member as a successful student and contributing member of the greater community. Greek membership is typically a lifelong commitment for members. For international students who have traveled from different countries to attend school at Samford University, there can be a transition period that makes it difficult for students to understand what it means to “Go Greek”. At Samford, where approximately 38% of the campus population is a member of Greek organization, we recognize that this difficulty can create for some confusion when going through the recruitment process. There are some things that have been shown in films, media and television that can give the wrong impression about American Greek Life and what it can offer you as a student and member of society. We hope that after looking through this list of rumors and misconceptions, you will see that you too can find your way through

Television would have you think that the people with the highest grades are outcasts in social fraternities and sororities, but nothing could be further from the truth! Scholarship is important for all Samford’s Greek organizations and there is an annual competition to see which group has the highest grade point average.

Top reasons why Samford Greek Life is NOT what you’ve seen on

TV Social functions are nothing like the movies or TV shows!

In fact, social functions are primarily based on building service, brotherhood or sisterhood, and rarely on alcohol use or ravage partying. Samford’s “No alcohol” policy ensures that organizations are being socially responsible and upholding Samford’s Christian values. Getting good grades is normal AND it

makes you a better member of your organization!

You are NOT “buying” friends!

The bonds of sisterhood and brotherhood are lifelong. While each organization does require members to pay semester financial dues, these are to provide each member with access to organization resources and entitle members to participate in sponsored activities. Networking and lifelong friendships are invaluable parts of fraternal organizations and are not conditional on finances.

August 2013

2 Adapted from: Tang , S. (2009, 02 23). How international students see the greek system. North by Northwestern . Retrieved from http://www.northbynorthwestern.com/story/how-international-students-see-the-greek-system/

Always make yourself available for questions from all students, regardless of national origin. Being open and friendly may give someone the initiative to seek help when they do not understand.

Some international students may know nothing about Greek Life, but, on the other hand, some also may come from a country where there is an organized lettered system in place. Taking advantage of this information can help both the potential new member and your organization in the long run.

For international students, joining a Greek organization is difficult, sometimes even more so than for domestic students. It is important for domestic Greek students to understand international students going through their recruitment processes in order to be a better resource during this time.

Do Not Assume

The Domestic Greek Guide to International Students Resources

Office of Greek Life Room 103

Theta Alpha House

Birmingham, Alabama 35229

greeklife@samford.edu

205-726-2028

Office of International Student Development

University Center 115

Birmingham, AL 35229

205-726-2737

Things to Consider:

Business Casual in Birmingham, Alabama may NOT be Business Casual across the Globe

It is important to consider that in different countries there are different standards of dress. For example, not everyone knows what a sports jacket is or how to wear one.

Words Mean things-especially in different languages.

In the communication era, sometimes things get jumbled. Because of language barriers and the implementation of slang terminology. For this reason, clarify, clarify, clarify…and if there is any confusion, talk to students who may not feel comfortable asking in large group settings.

It is Okay to Ask

One of the most frequent things that can occur is a discrepancy in transferring GPAs to the 4.0 scale. Sometimes because of differing number scales in different countries, it may be hard for international students to communicate what their GPA means in the 4.0 contexts. It is always better to ask and be understanding of these issues.

What is a GPA?