[11658] in APO-L
Re: Manilla
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Donna Stefano)
Mon Mar 6 10:08:48 1995
Date: Mon, 6 Mar 1995 16:08:27 +0100
Reply-To: Donna Stefano <donna@UNV.CH>
From: Donna Stefano <donna@UNV.CH>
To: Multiple recipients of list APO-L <APO-L%PURCCVM.BITNET@mitvma.mit.edu>
In-Reply-To: <9503020938.AA04163@unv.ch>
On Wed, 1 Mar 1995, Steve Thompson Jr. wrote:
>
> I hope that we can start other chapters overseas. If anybody goes on a study
> abroad program, they could try to start a chapter in the university that they
> go to. If we are "trying to get world peace", wouldn't it be nice if
> leadership, friendship, and service was really worldwide. Wouldn't it be nice
I think this is a great idea and support it whole-heartedly. But I do
see a couple of constraints, that I'd like to hear some ways of getting
around them.
First, anybody who has studied abroad knows that it takes relatively a
long time to get to know and feel part of the culture, especially at
foreign universities where the idea of "campus life" can differ a lot.
If and by the time a student studying abroad gets to feel comfortable
starting a chapter, it may be too late. Also, most US programs abroad
are geered towards americans and most students do not attend classes with
the foreigners (there are a few exceptions, but very few I think).
Therefore, there would not be much opportunity to mingle with fellow
foreign students except outside class. And anybody who has studied in a
European university can tell you that there are few extracurricular
activities. So, although it can be done, it will take a VERY well (and
quick) adjusted individual with LOTS of initiative. This would of course
be an excellent candidate for starting up an overseas chapter, but I
still think its much easier said than done.
Second, I am currently working in Geneva, Switzerland and would love to
try to start up a chapter at the university here, since I do know a few
students. But, please correct me if I'm wrong, doesn't a petitioning
group have to be started by somebody who is a student at the school. I
think this is so, and therefore, I haven't done anything to pursue this.
Any ideas?!
Donna
Donna Stefano donna@unv.ch
