"Being a part of the Tufts Civic Semester was one of the best experiences of my life. I know that this experience will guide the rest of my time at Tufts, and I'm so grateful for that."
-Caroline A'25, Tufts Civic Semester Fellow
Welcome to Tufts! Over the next four years you will have access to so many opportunities for new and exciting experiences that will allow you to learn and grow. Tufts Civic Semester, one of Tufts’ most unique programs, is available only to first semester students. Combining academic coursework with experiential learning to provide a transformational first-semester focused on community engagement and social justice, Civic Semester is an incredible way to begin your Tufts journey.
Based in Urubamba, Peru, Civic Semester students join a small cohort of 8-12 peers to create a living and learning community engaging deeply with important social issues through Tufts coursework and supporting and learning from local community organizations. With opportunities to work with local organizations, a 4-week homestay, excursions and other programming, Civic Semester participants return to the Tufts campus with a deep friendships, a stronger sense of self, and a clearer understanding of how they want to have an impact during their time at Tufts and beyond. Program costs are covered by tuition and fees, and applicants to the program can utilize their Tufts financial aid package.
Through coursework that begins in the summer and goes through the fall semester, Civic Semester students take a full course load of academics and experience small classes where they get to know Tufts faculty on a deeper level. All Civic Semester participants take two Civic Studies courses forming the academic foundation for the in-person experience, with additional academics complimenting program themes. In Peru, themes of community health, arts and culture and environment and agriculture are combined with two Spanish classes and Latin American Civilization to provide students with the language, history and cultural knowledge to be able to fully experience Peru.
To learn more about our 2023 Peru program, please visit the Tisch College Website.
Application Process
Admitted Tufts students can complete the Tufts Civic Semester application from their Tufts applicant portal. Due to degree restrictions, only incoming students in the School of Arts & Sciences, not including BFA and SMFA combined degree students and participants in the BLAST program, are eligible to apply. International students are able to participate in Civic Semester.
We are reviewing applications leading up to our final deadline of May 12, 2023 on a rolling basis, and encourage interested students to apply early. The application asks students to submit a short paragraph to share more about themselves and their interest in the program. Finalists are invited to participate in online interviews. Neither an application nor acceptance to Tufts Civic Semester represents a binding commitment, and we invite all interested students to apply.
Learn More
Visiting campus for Jumbo Days? Civic Semester will have an Information Session scheduled during each Jumbo Day for admitted students and families to learn more and meet program staff and alumni. See your Jumbo Day schedule for details. We will also have a table at the Jumbo Day Community Fair – come find us!
We’re also offering an online Information Session for admitted students on Wednesday, April 12 at 7pm ET.
Visit the Tisch College Civic Semester website, read Fellow blog posts, or contact firstyearglobal@tufts.edu for more information!