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 Chiang Mai, Thailand, 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 2024 Locations: Tufts Civic Semester Peru & Tufts Civic Semester Thailand

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.

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