What inspired you to go abroad?
I wanted to figure out what it was like to be working in a different country. I love traveling and thought I could learn a lot from the classes they offered.
Why did you choose Actuality Media specifically?
I chose my specific program because it was recommended to me by a professor who had students go through it before. She thought I showed promise and I should make the global community know that.
Max with his director.
What was your favorite part about your host country
My favorite part of my host country were the people, hands down. The people were amazing. They were so much more loving and caring than people in the U.S. They nurtured and complimented my Spanish language skills, and helped me understand that even though the USA and Guatemala had tense historical relations, it had nothing to do with them and me.
What made your experience abroad unique?
The other students. I still talk to many of them weekly. We have become lifelong friends and it wouldn't have been possible without this program.
How did local staff support you throughout your program?
They helped me get around the country, they helped me eat, and they helped me get medicine while I was sick. It was like being a baby again and learning how to walk. They were very patient and kind.
Describe a typical day in the life of your program.
We would wake up, eat breakfast, go to class, shower, and then find the bus to go to the city where we were filming. We would shoot or take notes, then we would head back. We would eat dinner and then sleep to do it all again the next day.
What did you enjoy doing in your free time?
I enjoyed going to the market and haggling.
What was your accommodation like? What did you like best about it?
I loved Tanya, the host. She made the best food and gave the best hugs.
What is one thing every participant should know before participating in your program?
I think everyone should know to take it slow. Don't try and do too much. Take the advice the teachers give you to heart, but don’t take it personally. Also, the hours you’ll work on the trip similarly mimic the hours worked in the actual film industry.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently?
I would not have climbed Volcano Acatenango. It made me very sick because I am from a flat state (Florida) and it was hell on my body in general.
Now that you're home, how has your program abroad impacted your life?
It got me an internship at Sesame Street. I am now working as a very successful Production Assistant in New York City. It catapulted me into a lot of festivals where I got to meet a lot of cool people. I have lifelong friends.
Would you recommend your program to others? Why?
Yes, it was a learning experience. We hardly ever get to be away from home for that length of time. It was nice to unwind in a place that wasn't home.
