Spring Break, Horned Frog Style
Spring break at TCU looks different for everyone, and that’s what makes it so interesting. While some students head home or relax with friends, others travel abroad, explore new cities, work internships or stay in Fort Worth for campus events and jobs. There is no one “right” way to spend spring break. Whether students are gaining experience, exploring new places or simply taking time to recharge, Horned Frogs spend their week in ways that reflect their interests, goals and the opportunities they have found at TCU.
For some students, spring break is an opportunity to see the world while learning outside the classroom. Charlie Brannen ’27, a marketing and management student from Orlando, FL, spends his spring break in Madrid, Spain, through Neeley School of Business' International Marketing course. During the trip, students visit companies, learn about international business practices and explore the city’s culture and history. For Brannen, the experience is eye-opening and gives him a new perspective on how business operates in different parts of the world.
“It is such an incredible experience getting to immerse myself in a new culture. I have never been to Europe, so it is eye-opening to see the world in a new way,” Brannen says.
One of his favorite memories from the trip is taking a flamenco class and exploring Madrid with his classmates, an experience he says helps him build friendships and memories he will never forget.
“I make friends for life from this trip, and it is amazing to explore a part of the world I have never been to,” Brannen says.
While some Horned Frogs travel internationally, others spend their break exploring new cities in the United States. Grace Hartenstein ’26, a strategic communication and sociology double major from New Freedom, PA, spends her spring break in Chicago with friends. Visiting over St. Patrick’s Day weekend makes the trip especially memorable, as the city is full of energy and celebration. From exploring different neighborhoods to trying new restaurants and seeing the Chicago River dyed green, Hartenstein says the trip is both exciting and meaningful.
“It is the perfect mix of exploring, celebrating and just enjoying time together,” Hartenstein says.
As a senior, the trip also carries a sense of nostalgia, as she realizes it is her last spring break of college.
“There are so many little moments throughout the trip where I just pause and take everything in, being with my friends, exploring a new city and making memories together,” Hartenstein says.
Spring break is also a popular time for TCU students to visit friends who are studying abroad for the semester. Because so many Horned Frogs spend a semester living and studying in another country, spring break becomes the perfect opportunity for their friends to travel and visit them.
Popular destinations often include London and Ireland, where TCU students frequently study abroad. For many students, these trips are a chance not only to travel internationally, but also to experience what daily life looks like for their friends living abroad, from attending classes with them to meeting their new friends and exploring cities from a local’s perspective.
Although many students are away from campus for spring break, TCU Athletics is still in full swing. While Horned Frog athletes compete on a national stage, many students work behind the scenes to help bring those moments to life.
Corey Blake Townsend ’27, a sports broadcasting student and TCU Athletics photo and video intern, spends his spring break working major athletic events, including the NCAA Rifle Championship and the first rounds of NCAA Women’s March Madness at Schollmaier Arena. Before spring break officially begins, Townsend travels with the TCU Rifle team to the NCAA Championship, where he documents the team earning the National Runner-Up title.
“This trip is one I will always remember. It is my first time traveling with a team, and I am incredibly thankful to have been trusted to capture such a special moment,” Townsend says.
During March Madness, Townsend also operates ClickEffects Crossfire, which controls
the video boards inside the arena. He works closely with the athletics marketing team
to ensure graphics, videos and sponsor elements run correctly while following NCAA
guidelines for host sites. He also spends part of his break photographing track and
field during the TCU Alumni Invite.
For Townsend, one of the most meaningful parts of the week is the opportunity to continue learning and to be part of moments bigger than himself.
“Being part of back-to-back years hosting March Madness is something I do not take lightly. It is an honor to contribute, even in a small way, to moments that are bigger than myself,” Townsend says.
Spring break may only last a week, but the experiences students gain often last much longer. Whether traveling across the world, visiting a new city, spending time with friends abroad or working behind the scenes at major events, Horned Frogs return to campus with new perspectives, new memories and a renewed sense of motivation for the rest of the semester. At TCU, learning and growth do not stop when classes pause. It just looks a little different.
“TCU truly feels like home. It is a place I care deeply about and invest in every day. I am grateful for the opportunities TCU has given me to grow both professionally and personally,” Townsend says.