FOR EDUCATORS

Faculty-Led Field Study

Take your students out of the classroom and into a world of meaningful experience with a documentary storytelling trip.

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FIELD STUDY

TESTIMONIALS

Working with Actuality Abroad for my faculty-led study abroad program was a great experience, both for myself and for the students. The program blended academic presentation, field work, and exposure to the local community in a way that highly benefitted the students. Not only did they have a fantastic time, but they both learned a lot and came away with quality films whose distribution benefits the NGO partners, themselves as aspiring filmmakers, and our department here at ODU. As an instructor, it was great to be able to concentrate on what I wanted the program to accomplish than on the logistics, and Actuality Abroad did a great job of helping us find suitable NGO partners for the student projects.
Professor David Mallin, Old Dominion University
I am so thankful that I bumped into Actuality Abroad at a social issue documentary conference. I spent the afternoon with Robin and Aubrie and was blown away by their combination of passion and expertise; they had already built something that I had only dreamed of doing some day. Since then, I have taken my students on three trips with Actuality Abroad. The experiences were life-changing for my students and helped them to create compelling and important work they could truly be proud of. It is also helped raise the profile of documentary production in my department when my students presented their films at on-campus symposiums and even at an undergraduate research conference.
Professor Christopher Boulton, University of Tampa
The experience our students get from traveling with Actuality Abroad makes them better filmmakers, better artists and better persons.
Professor Ed Talavera, University of Miami
My Actuality Abroad experience was cultivated through my university’s study abroad program. My expectations were blown away with the facilitation of our class's experience. What worked well for me on this study abroad was the process and method that they used to introduce film noobs to documentary filmmaking. I had little background and now i feel empowered to tell more stories back home.
Brett Darlington, University Student
It was a great experience to explore and get involved with another culture and community. While we maintained a strong work ethic, we still managed to find time to enjoy the attractions in the area and broaden our horizons. Overall, I think everyone should do a program like this!
Justin Brinkley, University Student
This experience did not feel like school/work at all, Instead it felt like a genuine experience that helped me collaborate, create, and personally grow. I opened new doors to trying new things and I feel very fulfilled with this trip. The group was not a majority of film majors, but each of us found a position that made our team work seamlessly.
Daniel Smith, University Student
Traveling to Chiang Mai for two weeks to film a documentary was by far one of the best experiences of my life. Everything was easy to get to, the people I traveled with were awesome, and being able to go with my professors as well made me feel very safe and guided. The structure and the way the course was organized made things go very smooth while also giving us plenty of free time to enjoy the city. I would definitely recommend this opportunity to anyone.
Courtney Germano, University Student
I had great time in Bali, Indonesia. I was able to try new food, visit new places and meet some very extraordinary people. I will never forget my study abroad experience and Actuality Abroad went above and beyond to ensure that each student was having a great and unique trip
Kaylin Phillips, University Student
I loved the cultural immersion of Costa Rica. Even though the work was not in my field of study, it taught me about things I would not have otherwise learned. I am overall very glad I went on this trip, as learning how other people live can help you better the lives of those around you.
Natalie Sipes, University Student
I had never been on a plane or out of the country until I did this trip. I would highly recommended doing any study-broad program. Bali is a very unique beautiful place. There are so many different things to do there it is crazy. There are endless beaches to go to, you can go snorkeling, surfing, hike up volcanoes, go to waterfalls. My instructor was awesome, he truly cares about his students, he is very informative, and he will go out of his way to help you. Overall I feel I grew as student and as filmmaker. I can't wait to travel to more places!
This was such an amazing experience. I loved learning about the city of Chiang Mai and meeting the local changemakers were had the privilege of filming for our documentary. I enjoyed walking around the city with the classmates on the trip and sightseeing all of the different things to see in Thailand.
Kathleen Duke, University Student
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ignitE the spark that changes everything.

You have a vision: to take your students beyond the classroom, connecting them across cultures through immersive experiences where real learning happens.

But where to start?  The logistics can feel overwhelming, and a truly transformative trip requires extensive preparation. The last thing you want is more paperwork.

Your students need you to guide them, to be the mentor who inspires growth through meaningful experiences.

LET US HELP YOU GET THERE

Actuality Abroad has traveled with hundreds of student mediamakers to 20+ countries around the world on cultural immersive documentary travel experiences. 

We can support you in creating a study abroad program that enables your students to explore new places, experience different cultures, and learn how to tell stories that matter. 

START YOUR

JOURNEY

STEP 1

Schedule a call with us to brainstorm ideas for your trip.

STEP 2

Receive your custom trip proposal ready for University approval.

STEP 3

Get ready to travel the world and inspire your students.

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REQUEST PROPOSAL

THE DOCUMENTARY PROCESS IS AN EXTRAORDINARY WAY TO EXPERIENCE A DESTINATION

PRACTICAL SKILLS DEVELOPMENT

Students gain hands-on experience in documentary storytelling, including skills in research, interviewing, documenting, and editing. These are essential skills not only for aspiring mediamakers but also for careers in business, social sciences and advocacy. 

TRUE CULTURAL IMMERSION

Learning from people in a different country allows students to experience new cultures firsthand. Engaging in documentary work deepens this cultural immersion, as students interact closely with local community members, listening to their stories and perspectives.  

CRITICAL THINKING IN CONTEXT

Crafting a documentary requires students to think critically about the stories they want to tell, the sources they use, and the way they present information. This sharpens their analytical skills and encourages them to question and explore complex social issues.

SUPERCHARGE PERSONAL GROWTH

Doing purposeful work in a new environment challenges students to step out of their comfort zones, promoting personal growth and self-discovery. They will develop independence, confidence, and resilience as they navigate unfamiliar settings and overcome obstacles.

COLLABORATION AND TEAMWORK

Documentary projects involve working in teams, which teaches students the importance of collaboration, communication, and compromise. These experiences build strong interpersonal skills that are valuable in any career.

POTENTIAL

PROGRAMS

MOROCCO

Arts Making Impact
Stories
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RWANDA

Community-Led Conservation
Stories
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GUATEMALA

Cultural Resilience
Stories
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COLOMBIA

Peace Building
Stories
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VIETNAM

Climate Solutions
Stories
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PERU

Regenerative Tourism
Stories
LEARN MORE

The most meaningful travel experiences take place in the company of storytellers."

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WHY ACTUALITY ABROAD?

Expertise and Experience: With 15 years of experience in running documentary travel courses, Actuality Abroad brings unparalleled expertise in both mediamaking and international education. This ensures a high quality, impactful program for students.

Curriculum Integration: Our programs are designed to align seamlessly with a variety of media and communication curricula, providing practical, hands-on learning that complements academic coursework. This integration helps students earn credits while gaining invaluable field experience.

Safety and Support: We prioritize the safety and well-being of students. Our programs include comprehensive risk management plans, local support networks, and 24/7 emergency assistance, ensuring students are well-supported throughout their journey.

Ethical Storytelling: We emphasize responsible and ethical storytelling practices. We teach students to approach their subjects with sensitivity and respect, fostering an ethical mindset that aligns with University values.

Customization and Flexibility: We understand that each University has unique needs and objectives. Actuality Abroad offers customizable programs tailored to specific academic goals and student interest

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REQUEST PROPOSAL

FROM OUR

BLOG

Documentary Storytelling

Must-Watch Short Docs to Elevate Your Storytelling

In the world of documentary storytelling, inspiration often comes from watching how others bring real stories to life. We’ve curated a selection of short documentaries that spark creativity and deepen perspective. These films stand out for many reasons—some masterfully capture intimate moments, others reveal unexpected narratives, and a few challenge the traditional storytelling mold altogether. Many of these are used in our Documentary Outreach briefings, setting the stage for our own crew members to consider new ways to engage with the stories they’ll encounter. Whenever you’re feeling stuck or simply need a break from the doomscroll, revisit this list for a fresh dose of creative inspiration and a reminder of the impact powerful storytelling can have.

Read on...
Regenerative Travel

Understanding Thailand: History Culture and Politics for Storytellers

What do you know about Thailand?

When traveling as a storyteller to Thailand, it’s essential to immerse yourself in the country’s cultural, historical, and political landscape. Understanding the forces that shape Thailand will not only enrich your journey but also sharpen your storytelling lens. This deeper knowledge will help you connect meaningfully with the people and communities you encounter, allowing you to tell stories that resonate on a more authentic level.

We’ve curated a selection of videos that illuminate key issues, cultural traditions, and often overlooked aspects of Thailand. From political history and environmental challenges to the vibrant street food scene and the struggles of marginalized communities, these videos offer valuable insights into the country’s realities. Preparing in advance will equip you to create stories that are impactful, honest, and deeply connected to the lives of those you meet.

Read on...
Regenerative Travel

How To Become a More Responsible Traveler: Resources to Get You Started

What does it really mean to be a responsible traveler? Is it choosing eco-friendly accommodations, supporting local artisans, or reducing your carbon footprint by opting out of flights? While these actions are a step in the right direction, responsible travel goes beyond the obvious. It’s about continually learning how your presence in a place can contribute positively to the local community, environment, and culture.

The truth is, tourism as it’s often practiced can have unintended consequences—damaging ecosystems, exploiting workers, or perpetuating harmful stereotypes. Becoming a better traveler means recognizing these complexities and taking responsibility for your impact. It’s not always easy, but the rewards are profound: deeper connections, more meaningful experiences, and the knowledge that you’re contributing to a better world through your travels.

To help you on this journey, we’ve curated some of our favorite resources. These stories have not only inspired us to travel more thoughtfully but have equipped us with strategies to make a positive difference. We hope they do the same for you.

Read on...
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FACULTY-LED FIELD STUDY

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