Spring Break Overview

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         Perhaps the most famous part of life for a typical college student (other than finals) is Spring Break.  During this time, no classes are held on campus for at least one week.  Students are expected to take a break from studies as a way to recharge for the rest of the academic year.  Many students choose to travel away from campus, either back to their home or to a number of popular locations throughout the world. 

          Most U.S. colleges offer Spring Break (alternatively called by such names as “reading week”, “spring vacation”, “march break”, etc.) during the month of March.  Though all colleges and universities operate on different academic calendars, Spring Break provides an often needed time for students to relax about half-way through the semester.  Because most U.S. schools operate the spring semester from January to May, nearly all college students experience Spring Break in the middle of March.  This means that during the month of March, there are hundreds of thousands of college students across the U.S. and Canada with no class responsibilities.  K-12 schools also offer breaks for students in the spring semester, generally one in February and one in April, which do not often coincide with undergraduate Spring Break. 

          Though there are some popular destinations for students during Spring Break, the week can of course be spent anywhere.  Most students choose not to stay on campus.  However, some students, particularly those involved in varsity sports, may maintain some responsibilities during Spring Break that could limit travel.  Many students take the opportunity to travel home during the break as a time to visit family and old friends.  Some take the opportunity to explore the area surrounding their place of study, since busy semesters do not always allow for this.  For those not tied to responsibility or desiring to return home, there are a number of popular Spring Break gathering points in the warmer climates of the Southern states, Mexico and a few Caribbean islands.  Some of these locations experience an influx of more than 200,000 students during a single week in March.  An entire industry has formed that is focused on catering to these travelers that involves Spring Break targeted travel agencies, participating hotels, large-scale organized parties and cable networks such as MTV.   

          The typical Spring Break student heading to hotspots like Cancun, Panama City, Daytona Beach or Lake Havasu City can expect certain activities to take place during the trip.  For most college students (and the residents of areas that attract Spring Breakers) Spring Break conjures images of wild parties, young men and women with little to no clothing, large quantities of alcohol and illegal drugs, casual sex and of course beaches.  Spring Break can be described as a much warmer, weeklong Friday night.  Inhibitions are thrown out while college students free from class are enabled to seek entertainment and pleasure in whatever forms their minds can imagine.  Many popular music artists, ranging from Pop to Hip-Hop to Country, have also made appearances during Spring Break.  Due to the large crowds, excessive drunkenness and noise, and a tendency toward destructiveness among such crowds, many popular destinations have sought to limit the number of Spring Break travelers that visit.  Some, however, eager for the financial benefit of thousands of visitors, welcome Spring Breakers with open arms.

          A growing trend among college students, who desire to throw off the stereotype of drunken, self-centeredness that comes with Spring Break, is the Alternative Spring Break.  This option, which coincides with the normal Spring Break, involves spending the week off in some sort of service project.  A number of organizations are involved in this increasingly popular movement, including both secular and faith-based organizations.  Examples include volunteering with groups such as Habitat for Humanity, working with conservation groups in National Parks and traveling with on-campus faith organizations to undertake mission activity.  For many college students this type of Spring Break is much more fulfilling than a week of drinking and casual sex, but can be just as tiring as another week in classes.  The financial cost for Alternative Spring Breaks can also be just as high as traveling home or to one of the Spring Break hotspots.  Regardless of the destination and desired activity, college students hold Spring Break in high regard as a time to escape normal responsibilities and enjoy time with friends.

Implications:

1. Many college students feel pressured to partake in Spring Break festivities in exotic locations.  Due to an emphasis on alcohol and drug abuse, as well as an elevation of sexual activity, these celebrations can be dangerous places for college students to travel, especially for young women.  Before embarking on such trips, college students should be aware of such dangers and adequately prepare for travel.

2. Considering the growing trend of Alternative Spring Breaks, students should be aware that it is possible to have a fulfilling week that does not involve wild parties.  Many students are not aware of such opportunities.  There are also downsides to these trips, such as high cost and lack of needed rest, that need to be considered. 

Questions for reflection and discussion:

1. Have you participated in Spring Break?

2. Would you consider traveling to a “hotspot” for a week?

3. Have you ever considered undertaking an Alternative Spring Break?

4. Do you have any tips/warnings for those going on Spring Break?

5. What does your ideal Spring Break look like?

Kristopher Loper cCys

Sources for further information:

Wikipedia

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