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
Eligibility & How to Apply
Students can apply to Civic Semester after they are accepted to Tufts. Finalists will be invited to a brief online interview.
- Students admitted through Early Decision I can apply by our EDI deadline of January 22, 2025.
- Students admitted through Early Decision I and II can apply by our EDII deadline of February 26, 2025.
- Students admitted through EDI, EDII and Regular Decision can apply by our final deadline of May 7, 2025. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis throughout the month of April.
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! Your application to the program is not binding, and we encourage all interested students to apply.
Questions? Please contact us.
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!