Roach Honors Students Start Their TCU Journey in Vienna

Roach Honors Frog Camp 2026

By Texas Christian University

August 14^th, 2026

"Frog Camp Vienna served not only as an amazing experience, but as a stepping stone that leaves me feeling prepared and excited for the next four years ahead!"

Roach Honors Students Explore and Connect in Vienna

Before starting their first semester at TCU, incoming Roach Honors students traveled to Vienna, Austria, for Frog Camp. Students explored the history and culture of the city and surrounding areas, through visits to historic landmarks, cooking classes, night tours and other experiences while building friendships along the way.

Beyond Vienna

"One of my favorite experiences of Frog Camp Vienna was taking a day trip to a town called Melk in the Wachau Valley and exploring the beautiful architecture of the town’s Abbey and the serenity of the Valley." — Katie Robb

Landscape view of Vienna featuring St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the surrounding cityscape.

Discovering Vienna Through Architecture

Roach Honors students experienced Vienna’s rich architectural and cultural history firsthand while exploring landmarks throughout the city and beyond. From Schönbrunn Palace and St. Stephen’s Cathedral to Melk in the Wachau Valley and the Slovak National Theatre in Slovakia, students were able to dive deep into the region’s history, culture and identity while also experiencing local traditions at events like the Vienna Film Festival.

Students standing outside of St. Stephen's Cathedral

A group of students smiling for a photo with desserts in hand

Students smiling in a ferris wheel cabin

Learning From the Past

Throughout Frog Camp Vienna, Roach Honors students explored Austria’s complex history, including the country’s role in the Holocaust. Students visited memorials honoring Austrian Jews killed during the Holocaust and engaged in conversations about remembrance, responsibility and how Austria has confronted its past.

"Dr. Pitcock's lecture about the Holocaust and Austria's trouble in reconciling with their involvement stood out as a serious but necessary conversation." — Weston Lake

From Strangers to Friends

"We didn't know each other at the start of the trip, and by the end we were great friends, sharing inside jokes, sticking together, and soaking in what an incredible time our four years of college will be." — Hudson Harris

Smiling students pose for a photo outside St. Stephen's Cathedral

TCU Chancellor Emeritus Victor Boschini smiles with students

A large screen displayed at Vienna Film Festival

Students outside of a ferris wheel in Vienna

Frog Camp Vienna group eating dinner together

Finding Community in Vienna

"It was eye-opening to learn people's stories and experiences. I will definitely carry with me the people I met and the memories that we made, as I start at TCU this fall. I feel so blessed that I was able to meet so many amazing people." — Jonah Reynolds

Frog Camp Vienna students at the airport

Students posing for a photo in a ferris wheel cabin

A Bright Future for Roach Honors

“Frog Camp Vienna reaffirmed what makes TCU so special: the people and the unique opportunities available for students. What other university gives incoming students the opportunity to go abroad with fellow incoming students, upperclassmen, deans, vice chancellors and the Chancellor Emeritus—all before they even move onto campus?” — Grant Cantrill