Tufts Civic Semester combines academic coursework with experiential learning to provide a transformational first-semester focused on community engagement and social justice.
Based in either Urubamba, Peru or Chiang Mai, Thailand, Civic students join a small cohort of 10-12 peers to create a living and learning community which engages deeply with important social issues through Tufts coursework and hands-on learning with local community organizations. With programming focused on building a civic identity and skills for promoting equity and justice, 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.
Each Civic Semester program focuses on a different set of issues and connects classroom discussions with hands-on learning in the community. Visit the Tisch College website using the links below to learn more about each program:
Civic Semester Peru: community health, arts and culture, education, environment & agriculture.
Civic Semester Thailand: indigenous rights, environmental conservation, sustainable development.
"Would recommend this program to everyone I know. This was a great way to start off my college journey!"
—Civic Semester Student
Application Process
Interested students can apply to Civic Semester by checking the box on their Tufts application, after which they will be asked to select their location preferences and complete a brief short-answer question about their interest in the program. If admitted, their admission to Tufts University is contingent upon their full participation in the Civic Semester program.
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!
Learn More
Visit the Tisch College Civic Semester website, read Fellow blog posts, check us out on Instagram or contact firstyearglobal@tufts.edu for more information!