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Before Maxime Colange arrived in the United States, he knew he wanted to become involved in a very American aspect of college life: a fraternity.
In France and most European countries there are no fraternities or sororities.
"Before coming to Minnesota I knew I wanted to join a fraternity," Colange said. "I looked on their Web sites."
Colange is a sophomore foreign exchange student from France at Minnesota State. Colange came to MSU this fall and will be staying until the end of this semester.
His home school, Rouen Business School in Normandy, France, requires that all students in the business program study abroad their second year. Colange choose the United States so he could work on his English skills. He is fluent in French, English and German.
Colange enjoys all that Greek life has to offer and recommends it to other students.
"I started to hang out with the guys, playing soccer and Frisbee. They came to my place to give me an invitation to become a brother," said Colange.
There are about 45 members in Sigma Nu and this has help Colange make connections. In addition to his fraternity, there is the whole Greek community at MSU for Colange to meet and network with.
He doesn't have regrets about choosing the U.S.
"I love this country. Two years ago I stayed in New York," Colange said, saying he prefers Minnesota over the Big Apple.
"The people in Minnesota are more friendly and they take the time to get to know you," Colange said. "I love Minneapolis. New York City is kind of dirty."
Along with Sigma Nu, Colange is also a member of the International Business Organization.
Colange sees his future in the United States and hopes his involvement in Greek life will help him find a job.
"I've seen everything in France. It's boring," he said.
Colange has visited many states during his time here, including South Dakota, Wyoming, Wisconsin, Kentucky, Florida, Georgia, Arizona and California.
Over spring break, Colange plans on visiting a few more states when he goes on a road trip with five friends, two of which are brothers form Sigma Nu. The plan is to drive to St. Louis, New Orleans, Arkansas, Mississippi and Memphis.
Colange will return to France at the end of May. The plane ride is more than five hours to Iceland where it stops and then another two or so to France. Upon returning home Colange will have a year and a half of school left followed by a six-month internship, which he hopes to do in Australia or Germany.
Jenny Pollock is a Reporter staff writer
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