Q: Is there a fee to apply to the program?

A: Semester in the City does not charge an application fee. However, your college may have fees associated with participating in a study away/abroad program. Check with your university program administrators. 

Q: Are there any benefits to applying by the early or priority deadline over the final deadline?

A: Yes! We encourage all students to apply by the early or priority deadlines. We accept students after each deadline, so there may only be a limited number of spots available by the time we are evaluating final deadline applicants.

deadline for spring 2019 applications are still rolling.

Q: What is the eligibility process?

A: Every college/university has its own eligibility process that students must complete to participate in a study away program.  Please contact your college’s program administrator or study away office for information about the process and deadlines.

As of December 2017 students at other four-year colleges across the country can now participate in Semester in the City via a national partnership with University of New Hampshire (UNH), which serves as “university of record.” You will need approval from your study away/study abroad office and/or Dean – as you would to participate in other study away/study abroad programs.  For students with approval from their home college who complete the program, UNH will provide a full semester of transferable academic credit.

Program Administrators for Partner Schools:

If you attend another college not listed here and have a question about applying contact Katie Floyd

 

Q: Is there any financial aid available for housing?

A: There are a few ways for students to receive assistance for housing costs.  

  1. Any financial aid funds not needed to cover tuition for the semester can be used by students for housing and meals. Please contact your financial aid office to get information about this option.

  2. Students can apply to be a Community Advisers (CAs) in one of the apartment buildings - there will be up to two CAs selected a semester. Selected CAs will receive a $2000 reduction in housing cost. Students can indicate interest in becoming a CA on the application.

Q: Do I have to living in program housing?

A: All of our Fellows are required to live in the immediate Boston area during their participation in Semester in the City. The vast majority of our Fellows choose to live in our apartments, however, a small few have permission to opt out because they have family they can stay with in Boston. If you have family or friends that live within the MBTA service area or if you want to make other arrangements, please note that on your application and someone from our Program Staff will be in touch with you to discuss your options.

Q: Will I receive academic credit for participating in the program?

A:  Your college/university has agreed that Social Innovation Fellows will receive full-time credit for their participation in the program. Credits can be applied to electives, in some cases to major or minor requirements and other graduation requirements. Students must get approval for the application or distribution of credits from their academic advisor and/or department chair.

Q:  What does a typical program week look like?

A: Monday through Thursday, Fellows are working in their social change organizations. Wednesday evening students take a seminar course titled The Social Innovators Tool Box, which will is a foundation course on social change, innovation, and entrepreneurship. On Fridays, Fellows are in two workshops — one to reflect on their internship and the other to develop and hone leadership skills. The weekends are unscheduled though there will be occasional field trips and other social activities organized by and for Fellows.

Q: What type of social change organizations will I be placed in?

A: Fellows will be matched with carefully selected nonprofits, innovative government agencies, and/or social mission businesses. Check out the list of our internship placements here!

Q: Can I participate if I attend a university that is not currently partnered with this program?

A: Yes.  Some colleges directly partner with College for Social Innovation to provide full credit to participating students.  As of December 2017 these colleges/universities are:  Becker College, Bridgewater State University, Clark University, Marlboro College, Wheaton College (Norton, MA), University of Vermont, and University of New Hampshire.  With these partner colleges, students stay enrolled at their home institution and participate in Semester in the City, at the same or lower cost as a traditional semester on campus. 

As of December 2017 students at other four-year colleges across the country can now participate in Semester in the City via a national partnership with University of New Hampshire (UNH), which serves as “university of record.” You will need approval from your study away/study abroad office and/or Dean – as you would to participate in other study away/study abroad programs.  For students with approval from their home college who complete the program, UNH will provide a full semester of transferable academic credit.

Q: How much does it cost to enroll in Semester in the City if my college allows me to participate through the partnership with the University of New Hampshire?

A: Students (or their home college on their behalf) pay UNH a comprehensive program fee of $13,052.50 for the semester.  Federal financial aid applies and the fee is inclusive of housing in Boston (see information here on our housing program) and all program tuition and fees.  In addition to a semester of academic credit, students receive an unlimited MBTA public transit pass, and a $600 living stipend to help with expenses.  Low- and moderate-income students who demonstrate eligibility for the federal Pell Grant program receive a $2,000 scholarship toward the program cost, meaning net tuition owed is $11,050.40

GLOSSARY

College for Social Innovation: a nonprofit organization that partners with college/universities to offer the Semester in the City Program.

Semester in the City: a program that offers undergraduate students the opportunity to study away in Boston for a semester, work in a social change organization, take courses on social innovation and entrepreneurship, and receive full-credit while doing so.

Student: an undergraduate student who applies to the Semester in the City Program.

Social Innovation Fellow: an undergraduate student who is accepted and participate in the Semester in the City Program.