Europe doesn’t have American Greek life, which I didn’t think would be a big deal, and it’s not. However, I never anticipated how curious Europeans are with Greek life. Since Europe doesn’t have American sororities or fraternities, the majority of their knowledge about Greek life comes from watching movies; and let’s be honest, Neighbors didn’t exactly portray it accurately, did it? So as my semester of studying abroad is coming to an end, I thought I would share with y’all some of my favorite questions that I have been asked about Greek life while being abroad in Europe.
*Disclaimer* These are all real questions I have been asked, seriously.
Hazing
“But what about hazing?!”
A general notion, not just specifically limited to Europe, is that people think the new members have to wait on the seniors hand and foot. Doing things like running their errands for them, going to their classes so they can sleep in, or bringing them another drink after they finish the one in their hand. With all of the movie references of sorority/fraternity hazing to choose from, I have had to discount so many scenarios.
Partying
“Isn’t it just about partying?”
Sororities and Fraternities are dedicated to giving back to their communities. Most Greek organizations have more than one philanthropic cause that they put considerable time and effort behind. Also, community service is a big part of most greek life organizations, whether it's helping Freshmen on move-in day, raking an elderly person’s yard, or working at the soup kitchen, greek life is involved; which is apparently shocking!
Cult
“It’s a cult!” Did you read this in Becca’s voice too?
Yes, Greek organizations have secrets that we cannot talk to anyone outside of our organization about. But these secrets and rituals are there to unify us and bring us closer together are brothers and sisters. Which still sounds cult-ish, but I promise it’s not! And no we don’t have to drink the blood of our previously graduated sisters (Pitch Perfect reference anyone?)!
Conversing with the dead?
“Don’t you guys play with ouija boards?” Never heard this one before!
This is where that disclaimer from the beginning of the article becomes relevant. I was legitimately asked if part of Greek life specifically deals with using ouija boards...I, personally, feel like the answer to this question is obvious, but apparently it needs clarifying. So let’s listen up people! Playing with ouija boards in not a mandatory part of sisterhood/brotherhood!
The majority of the questions I was asked were pretty basic questions that people ask me back home, in Missouri, but as you can see, there are some questions from across the pond that clearly stand out. So just in case you were ever curious about was Europeans think about Greek life, now you know.
