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 in the School of Arts and Sciences. 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.
"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."
— Tufts Civic Semester Fellow
Based in Urubamba, Peru, or Chiang Mai, Thailand, Civic Semester students join a small cohort of 8-12 peers to create a living and learning community engaging deeply with important social issues.
Civic Semester students:
- Complete a full semester of Tufts academic courses
- Learn from local community organizations through group visits, as well as an 8-week organization placement
- Experience life with a local family through a 6-week homestay
- Participate in workshops & cultural events
- Explore the region through program excursions
- Create a supportive community of peers and program staff
Civic Semester participants return to the Tufts campus with 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, the academic foundation for the in-person experience, with additional academics providing students with the language, history and cultural knowledge to support their experience.
To learn more about the program and read academic course descriptions, please visit the Tisch College website.
Civic Semester Thailand
Application Process
Admitted students should complete the Tufts Civic Semester application in their Tufts applicant status page. 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. We welcome and are proud to have international students in the program each year.
We are reviewing applications leading up to our final deadline of May 7, 2025 on a rolling basis and we 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 admission to Tufts Civic Semester represents a binding commitment, and we invite all interested students to apply.
Civic Semester Peru
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!
Additionally, we will be hosting two virtual sessions during Jumbo Month where admitted students can learn more about Global Opportunities at Tufts: Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at 7PM ET, Tuesday April 14, 2025 at 7PM ET. You can register for these sessions on your Tufts applicant status page.
Visit the Tisch College Civic Semester website, read Fellow blog posts, or contact firstyearglobal@tufts.edu for more information.