Tufts Civic Semester is a transformational first-semester program that combines academic and experiential learning with a focus on community engagement and social and environmental justice. Based in Urubamba, Peru, participants 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 by supporting and learning from local community organizations. Our Peru program focuses on community health, arts and culture, education, and environment and agriculture. Through both academic coursework and by learning from and supporting local community organizations, students in the program grapple with complex social issues, and connect classroom discussions with hands-on projects.