Studying Abroad: Riley Huhta’s Creative Journey
When Riley Huhta (BA ‘26) boarded her flight to London, she was ready for change. After spending her entire life in Michigan, a semester at London College of Communications, University of the Arts London (UAL) offered her the chance to live somewhere new, immerse herself in one of the world’s most creative cities, and test her independence as both a filmmaker and a person.
For five transformative months, Riley embraced the energy and diversity of London’s bustling streets, endless art, and layered cultural history. She quickly learned that studying abroad wasn’t just about seeing new places; it was about stepping outside her comfort zone and trusting herself to navigate the unfamiliar.
A Defining Creative Experience
In the UAL Film and Television program, Riley spent the month of May in full-scale production mode, collaborating on multiple short films from concept to final edit. She worked as an editor for The Institute for Proper Ladies, served as first assistant camera on another production, and took on the role of second assistant director for a third.
The fast-paced nature of the projects tested her problem-solving skills and ability to stay calm under pressure. With just two days to film and six to edit, she worried about keeping up, but her persistence paid off. Her work earned her the award for Best Editor at the program’s final screening and awards ceremony, a moment that marked a turning point in her confidence as both a storyteller and collaborator.
Lessons Beyond the Classroom
Outside the studio, daily life in London became its own adventure. Navigating public transportation, adapting to new social norms, and learning to find her way in a foreign city gave Riley a sense of independence she hadn’t known before. At first, the unfamiliarity felt challenging — but after finding a favorite coffee shop, chatting with locals, and discovering new neighborhoods, she became more confident. Living abroad also deepened her understanding of herself. What began as a leap into the unknown became a lesson in resilience, self-trust, and a sense of belonging.
Bringing It All Home
Back in Ann Arbor, Riley’s continued to build on the knowledge she gained overseas. Her time behind the camera in London prepared her for her current role as a camera operator at the Duderstadt Video Studio, where she’s refined her technical skills while exploring new ways to tell visual stories.
She approaches filmmaking with a broader worldview that’s informed by the people, experiences, and perspectives she encountered abroad. The lessons she gained in London continue to shape not just how she creates, but how she connects.
Lasting Impact
For Riley, studying abroad was more than a semester; it was a catalyst for growth. Exploring beyond what’s familiar and finding confidence in new places.
Her journey is a reminder to other students that there’s no better time to take that leap. “When else will you get to live in another country as a young adult, studying what you love?” she reflects. “If not now, when?”
Learn more about Study Abroad opportunities at U‑M’s Penny W. Stamps School of Art & Design.