Yes, it’s true. Colleges in Europe and Asia are exclusively institutes of higher education, and students who want to play a sport join a club or other local organization. Similarly, there are no equivalents as far as I know of Greek life. Kids go outside to seek social experiences.
I guess it comes down to societal expectations. There’s no right or wrong way - it’s just what a society/culture expects. In Europe and Asia college is all about academics. Here in America college is “an experience” and people expect a blend of experiences.