Actuality AbroadReviews of actualityabroad.org

I really enjoyed the structure of this program. Very immersive and informative, and the great company helped! I had a great time and feel as though I learned skills that will benefit me as I go forward with film-making.

I had a great experience with the company and they provided many resources to help the project succeed. For those serious about run-and-gun documentary filmmaking, this is the program to pursuit!

After our Storytelling Expedition in Guatemala, I feel equipped to organize a (short) documentary/visual storytelling project by myself now and confident that I can tell a compelling, inspiring story that the community in question also wants to share. This is a skill that I will nourish and continue building on in my (aspiring) career as a visual storyteller, writer, and visual anthropologist. Thank you to Robin, Pablo, our group and Actuality Abroad for this inspiring experience!

I loved the Storytelling Expedition I joined in Guatemala. It gave me the opportunity to explore deep in the Maya Biosphere Reserve at a lesser known archaeological site and met people from the communities that live there. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience for somebody who doesn't work in journalism or film making. The Expedition did teach me the basics of documentary making and directed me to sources that would help me in that respect; so I was given the tools to get me started in my video editing journey. As Actuality Abroad is more accustomed to seasoned filmmakers, I think more coaching would be appreciated for those less experienced on the Storytelling Expeditions. That said, there were still new skill sets I gained through the experience. I loved the projects proposed for the Expedition; they were fascinating. I love that I am walking with new friends and skill sets from this experience.

I learned so much through the briefings, my friends from the program, my newfound local friends, different corners of Tangier, Moroccan Arabic and how it compares to Levantine Arabic. It was truly an incredible experience.

Actuality Abroad is one of those amazing mom and pop organizations that has things so organized and so well planned out with the perfect amount of spontaneity, it’s hard to imagine a better experience could to be produced by anything more or anything less. Our guide was fun and knew karate, so we were well protected. If i got stuck in an intergalactic elevator, I’d certainly want it to be with one of these guys. We arrived and learned about Documentary filmmaking, and learned the key to visual storytelling– exactly what we came for. The best part of the experience is that i continue to use what i’ve learned about storytelling in my day to day and i have these guys to thank for that. Great trip, amazing experience, good price, learned a lot, and the team is great. I hope to do it again soon.

It was a great opportunity to work with the local community while also having the chance to explore the area and culture. Overall, it was a fresh and great learning experience that everyone should try out.

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.