Cooper Smiley (Class of 2010)

photo of Cooper Smiley

  • senior East Asian Languages and Cultures major with a concentration in Japanese
  • from Ann Arbor, MI
  • currently studying in Japan
  • loves Miami basketball

"Hello, my name is Cooper Smiley. I'm a senior at Miami, finishing my undergraduate education in Japan. Since my junior year of high school, I've dreamed of studying abroad and I was able to achieve it.

"Last summer, before I left for Japan, I stayed in Oxford, took classes at Miami, and worked in the Howe Writing Center. I also helped teach English to a class of Korean students from Pusan University.

"I grew up in Ann Arbor, but I heard about Miami through my mother's best friend's son (a bit confusing, I know). After checking out the campus on a tour, I knew it was the place for me. At Miami, along with my studies, I participated in intramural sports and took photographs for the Miami Student newspaper and the yearbook.

"My advice is that every student should try to study abroad. Miami really encourages students to study abroad and has a lot of great resources for those who are interested. It will be one of those experiences in your life that you will never forget.

[October 2009]