Documentary Outreach - Service Learning for Storytellers
Program Overview
Actuality Abroad's Documentary Outreach is a month-long immersive filmmaking workshop where you learn documentary production, ethical storytelling, and responsible travel. We work in partnership with locally led nonprofit organizations or social enterprises to tell stories that support the community work of changemakers. Students work together in creative crews to produce short documentary films. In every location, we focus on stories about changemakers working to solve social or environmental problems in their community. Each serving as a Producer, Director, Cinematographer, or Editor, our crews collaborate to make a short documentary film in four weeks. The program goal is for crews to learn a reliable, replicable production process that they can continually leverage to tell engaging stories about real life anywhere around the globe. Lessons include research methods, story structure, visual imagery, interviewing techniques, ethics, post-production, and more. Upcoming Outreach Destinations: Phnom Penh, Cambodia - January, 2027 Nara, Japan - June, 2027 Santa Marta, Colombia - July, 2027
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Program Highlights
What's Included
Exclusions
Quick Details
- Throughout the Year
- Anthropology
- Communications
- Film
- Filmmaking
- Journalism & Broadcasting
- Service Learning
- TV & Media Production
- Visual Arts
Updated Sep 1, 2026
Program Details
Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know
Locations
- Nara, Japan
- Santa Marta, Colombia
- Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Fields & Subjects
- Anthropology
- Communications
- Film
- Filmmaking
- Journalism & Broadcasting
- Service Learning
- TV & Media Production
- Visual Arts
Available Terms / Availability
- Years Offered: 2027
- Terms Available: Throughout the Year
Eligible Nationalities
- All Nationalities
Education Levels & Language
- Language: English
- Education: University Freshman (1st Year)
- Education: University Sophomore (2nd Year)
- Education: University Junior (3rd Year)
- Education: University Senior (4th Year)
- Education: University 5th Year or More
- Education: High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (for example: GED)
- Education: Some college credit, no degree
- Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Education: Professional degree
- Education: Master’s degree
- Education: Doctorate degree
- Education: Associate degree
- Education: Trade/technical/vocational training
Accommodation Options
- Group living
Application Procedures
- Phone/Video Interview
- Online Application
- Deposit
Age Requirement
18+
Starts At
- 4 Weeks: $5,000
Deposit / Application Fee
Deposit: $500
Payment Terms
- Payment Plan
- Upfront Deposit
- Scholarships
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FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to all the most common questions about Actuality Abroad.
Who can join a Documentary Outreach?
Our past crew has included enrolled university students, young professionals, and adults interested in expanding their knowledge about documentary production. Anyone 18 years or older with an interest in learning is welcome to apply.
Is documentary experience required?
No. Actuality Abroad Outreaches are educational in nature. We will teach you what you need to know. Although each person takes on a primary role for the storytelling projects, all of the work is highly collaborative, and you can depend on your crew to support each other.
Who do we work with?
Our group of travelers is matched into several 4-person crews, with each individual taking on a specific role Producer, Director Cinematographer or Editor. Working with your crew, you collaborate with a local changemaker to explore their work and find a compelling story to tell.
An Actuality Leader provides instruction, mentorship, and oversees all projects. They also coordinate travel logistics, lead educational briefings, and conduct
What kind of content will we produce?
Each crew is guided and supported in producing a character-driven, film-fest-worthy short documentary film. To further expand your portfolio, you also have the opportunity to create documentary photography collections, micro-documentary videos, or journalistic essays that are more promotional in nature and may help your changemaker in furthering their work. Check out examples on our website, or looks us up on YouTube and Vimeo.
Can I earn university credit?
Yes. We are happy to work with currently enrolled students individually to arrange academic credits.
Recognitions & Awards
Awards and accreditations earned by this provider
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