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TRAVEL THE WORLD AND TELL STORIES THAT MATTER

Actuality Abroad helps impact-driven storytellers get the training, experience and support they need to travel the world and tell stories that matter. Our documentary travel experiences explore nonfiction mediamaking, ethical storytelling and responsible travel. In each destination, we partner with local changemakers and co-create media content that amplifies their work. Together, we learn how to tell better stories about real life around the world. Our Mission →

CREW

TESTIMONIALS

I just wanted to thank you for the opportunity I had this summer. It was honestly, mind blowing and definitely life changing. Thank you, this trip changed my views and life. It is honestly one of the best experiences in my life so far and I hope I can do something like this again.
A. ZapataDOCUMENTARY OUTREACH TO GUATEMALA
It was a great cultural immersion experience, and I enjoyed our group as well. I thought everyone was generally pretty thoughtful and considerate, which is very important since we spent a lot of time together. Oftentimes, larger travel groups that I've been on tended to have some sort of conflict at some point, which didn't happen for us. I liked that we all have strong interests in filmmaking or are filmmakers, so we had a similar lens through that.
J. LeeSTORYTELLING EXPEDITION TO GUATEMALA
This was one of the best experiences of my life so far and I wouldn't trade my time in Cambodia for anything. I learned so much and I made some great friends.
B. JanusikDOCUMENTARY OUTREACH TO CAMBODIA
It truly opened my eyes to the possibilities that surround me, how I can help others, and how much I can learn.
E. EtienneFIELD STUDY TO INDONESIA
This is the best experience I have had abroad. I was with a great groupof people in an amazing place and learned so much.
C. HeikkelaDOCUMENTARY OUTREACH TO KENYA
LOVED THE EXPERIENCE! The crew was wonderful, the stories and adventures we shared was one of a lifetime! It was truly something I would love to do again and intend to share with people around me.
E. SharpSTORYTELLING EXPEDITION TO GUATEMALA
This was my first time leaving the country, and I had an amazing time!
J. KatzDOCUMENTARY OUTREACH TO INDIA
Traveling with Actuality Abroad helped me feel comfortable being in an unknown place with new people. Feeling safe was a big part of why I enjoyed the trip and I believe our mentor had a lot to do with that. Our mentor was so kind and understanding when it came to exploring the city, trying new foods, working on a set, or even answering all our questions to the best of his knowledge. He was very attentive to making sure we arrived and departed safely and conveniently by helping us book taxis to and from.
L. CastilloSTORYTELLING EXPEDITION TO MEXICO
An amazing learning experience, and an opportunity to meet and befriend amazing people who are truly impacting the world.
S. KernDOCUMENTARY OUTREACH TO ECUADOR
…the opportunity interact so closely with locals, stay in local places and build relationships, and see multiple different areas of Morocco…
H. RutishauserSTORYTELLING EXPEDITION TO MOROCCO
Just days in, I had felt like I belonged. Everyone was coming from different places in search of a great experience- and that was what we got.
S. MooshiDOCUMENTARY OUTREACH TO BOLIVIA
The trip was great and the amount of preparation and coordination in advance was amazing! I felt safe and secure and well taken care of.
R. MilfordSTORYTELLING EXPEDITION TO MEXICO
It was an amazing experience and will definitely be something I remember for my whole life. The friendships and connections I made on the trip are ones I hope to keep for the rest of my life.
T. BlubaughDOCUMENTARY OUTREACH TO BELIZE
I greatly enjoyed almost everything we did and saw. I really liked having the oppurtunity to play multiple roles in the movie making proccess that I might not have been able to try anywhere else. I got to direct an interview and mini doc at Ak Tenamit, create B roll at most locations, improve my drone flying, and learn so much everyday. I also liked the opportunity to do some footage review at the end of the day, I found it very helpful because I have limited experience making videos. I made some incredible connections with the people and groups we talked to and hope to return next summer.
S. ScottSTORYTELLING EXPEDITION TO GUATEMALA
The team was a good mix of personalities and everyone who attended was very friendly and open and generous with their time.
N. RiehlSTORYTELLING EXPEDITION TO GUATEMALA
I can’t get the obstacles and struggles we faced out of my mind. I had a blast working through everything with people I had just met and had to trust right away.
R. HogueDOCUMENTARY OUTREACH TO NICARAGUA
It was definitely the best learning experience and time of my life so far!
B. CelestinaDOCUMENTARY OUTREACH TO MOROCCO
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UPCOMING

TRIPS

DOCUMENTARY OUTREACH

THAILAND

JANUARY 2025

$4000 USD

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TRIP DETAILS
Morocco

STORYTELLING EXPEDITION

MOROCCO

APRIL 2025

$2400 USD

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TRIP DETAILS

DOCUMENTARY OUTREACH

MEXICO

JULY 2025

$4500 USD

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TRIP DETAILS

HOW WE

TRAVEL

DOCUMENTARY OUTREACH

A four-week documentary travel course where you learn to produce a short documentary film about changemakers.

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STORYTELLING EXPEDITION

A week-long documentary tour + workshop where you get experience telling meaningful stories on location.

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PAST STORYTELLING

PROJECTS

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This is NOT tourism-as-usual.

Actuality Abroad has led hundreds of impact-driven storytellers on documentary adventures that provided them the training, experience, and support they needed to learn and grow.

Come along and
TRAVEL LIKE A STORYTELLER

START YOUR

JOURNEY

STEP 1

Apply for any upcoming trip.

STEP 2

Schedule a video interview and get all your questions answered.

STEP 3

Accept your invitation to join the crew and make your plans to travel.

APPLY NOW

FROM OUR

BLOG

Field Study

Collaborating with Local Changemakers: The Key to Impactful Media-Focused Study Tours

For media professors leading study abroad programs, one of the greatest challenges is finding meaningful, immersive story ideas that engage students deeply with local culture. As outsiders, it can feel overwhelming to quickly connect with the community in a way that’s authentic, respectful, and insightful. This is where the power of collaboration comes into play, specifically by working with local changemakers—social impact organizations and leaders making a difference in their communities.

Through our years of experience at Actuality Abroad, we’ve discovered that partnering with local changemakers not only makes the storytelling process more impactful but also provides students with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to connect with global challenges through a solutions-oriented lens.

Read on...
Documentary Outreach

Scholarships and Grants for Funding Your Documentary Outreach Experience​

This guide is designed to help you identify and apply for scholarships and grants that align with your Documentary Outreach journey. Whether you’re a student looking to enrich your education through study abroad, a budding filmmaker working on a documentary project, or someone passionate about making a social impact, there are funding opportunities tailored to your needs. Each scholarship and grant listed here has supported previous crew members, and many have been used to partially or completely fund their travels.

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Storytelling Expedition

Storytelling Expedition Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to our Storytelling Expedition FAQ! Here, we’ve gathered the most common questions about our trip to help you prepare. From the types of stories we’ll be telling to your role on the crew, equipment requirements, and logistics, you’ll find all the essential information. Whether you’re an aspiring media-maker or a seasoned storyteller, this guide will help you understand what to expect and how to make the most of this unique experience. Dive in to get the details on how we work, what you need to bring, and more.

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