Building Robust & Inclusive Democracy

Tufts Civic Semester

Tisch College and Tufts University offer incoming students the opportunity to participate in the Tufts Civic Semester, a transformational first-semester program that combines academic and experiential learning with a focus on community engagement and social and environmental justice. Based in either Urubamba, Peru or the Southwestern United States, participants join a small cohort of 8-12 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 civic skills for promoting equity and justice, Civic Semester participants return to the Tufts campus with a network of 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.

Fall 2023 Location: Tufts Civic Semester Peru

Eligibility & How to Apply

Interested students can complete the brief Tufts Civic Semester application from their Tufts applicant portal. We are offering three deadlines to coincide with Tufts admissions cycles.

  • Students admitted through Early Decision I can apply by January 20 for early admission I.
  • Students admitted through Early Decision I or II can apply by February 24 for early admission II.
  • Students admitted through Regular Decision (or Early Decision) can apply by our final deadline of May 12.

We will consider applications leading up to our final deadline on a rolling basis, and invite 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.

Due to degree restrictions, only incoming students in the School of Arts & Sciences, not including BFA, SMFA and NEC combined degree students and participants in the BLAST program, are eligible to apply.

Questions? Please contact us.

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