WKU News

Elizabeth Mikeworth, a young woman from Mt. Vernon, Kentucky, is a testament to how far a passion for languages and cultures can take you—even from the most unlikely of places. As she prepares to graduate from WKU in May 2026 as quadruple major in International Relations, Chinese, Legal Studies, and Asian Religions and Cultures, Elizabeth’s journey is as diverse as the English, Russian, Kazakh, and Adyghe languages that have shaped her family. 

Elizabeth comes from a family deeply rooted in both American and Eastern European traditions—her father is from the United States, and her mother hails from northern Russia. This multicultural background has always been a part of her life, but her fascination with languages took a serious turn during her time at Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Sciences (GAMS ‘22), where students were encouraged to engage in language study as part of their GAMS experience.   

For Elizabeth, choosing Chinese was almost a natural decision. "I knew more Chinese speakers in real life, and my childhood friend was from China," she recalls. This choice opened the world of Kanji, a system of Japanese writing using Chinese characters, which quickly became a beloved challenge. "I loved writing so much," she says, reminiscing about the hours spent practicing her Kanji. 

Her passion for Japanese blossomed from this love of Kanji. She began self-studying Japanese, often finding herself sprawled out on the library floor or scribbling characters in her notebook during meals at the Fresh Food Company in DSU. Elizabeth's dedication to mastering the language led her to a pivotal decision: "I thought I should put this to use and go to Japan," she says. And so, she applied for a study abroad program and ended up at Kansai Gaidai University in Hirakata, Osaka. 

Kansai Gaidai was the perfect fit for Elizabeth, who was drawn to its focus on language learning and international relations, and the Kansai region's unique dialect, which she became familiar with through the comedic shows she enjoyed. Immersing herself fully in the culture, Elizabeth even went so far as to change her computer settings to Japanese or Chinese, opening up a new world of podcasts and entertainment. "I would just click on random podcasts, especially when I was bad at the languages. I would try to guess what they were about and see how much I could understand, and eventually, I understood more and more," she says. 

Elizabeth's motivation for pursuing language and cultural studies stems from her experiences growing up in Eastern Kentucky as an immigrant. "I realized that one thing dividing the world was always the cultural or language barrier. But once you get over that, there is so much you can unlock, and you know, ultimately the possibilities to take in more knowledge," she explains. Her journey from a STEM major to a focus on the arts and interdisciplinary studies was fueled by this realization and her love for psychology and social sciences. 

In Japan, Elizabeth has thrived academically and socially. She balances her studies—taking two political science classes in Japanese and two in English—with a job at the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan. The differences between Japanese and American educational approaches are evident in her experiences; Japanese classes emphasize group work and applied projects, while English-taught courses tend to be more individualistic. Outside of the classroom, Elizabeth has found that teachers in Japan often engage with students socially, whether it's attending a baseball game or watching a court case together. 

One of the most enriching aspects of her time in Japan has been her involvement in clubs and circles, which emphasize shared interests and social connections, respectively. Although her plans for a homestay fell through due to a shortage of host families, she still had the opportunity to participate in a monthly host visit program. "I stayed with a host family. I had two host sisters and they were both older than me by a year and two years, and then I had, you know, my host parents. So my host mom's job was to run a traditional tea ceremony shop out of her house. It was very fun, so every time I'd go there, she'd make great food. I got to wear things like kimono during the tea ceremony, and we played traditional games like hanafuda cards," she shares. 

Elizabeth's time at the Chamber of Commerce has also given her a firsthand look at the intricacies of Japan's corporate culture, particularly during "Shushoku Katsudo," the job-hunting season that occurs during the third year of college. The process is rigorous, with students being screened by both their universities and potential employers. "It was very stressful," she admits, "but it was also a valuable experience that taught me a lot about perseverance and professionalism." 

Her role with the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan has been an extraordinary opportunity for Elizabeth, as it has allowed her to immerse herself in the professional and diplomatic environment of Japan while applying her language skills in real-world contexts. Her responsibilities range from conducting research on public policy to hosting member events for different sectors.  

She’s had the unique opportunity to work closely with government officials and has even brushed shoulders with notable figures in the business world. A highlight of her experience was meeting a former member of the legendary rock band Megadeth, an encounter that added a touch of excitement to her already vibrant work environment. 

As for the future, Elizabeth's goals are as diverse as her interests. She's considering a career in foreign service with the U.S. Department of State, focusing on the pan-Asian region, and is eager to join research labs in international political opinion or forensic psychology at WKU during her last two years on campus. She's also committed to helping with any Japanese translation needs in her community back in Bowling Green, Kentucky, and plans to write a thesis to complete her honors requirements. 

Elizabeth's journey is deeply personal, driven by a desire to make friends and build connections across cultures. "Because of language studies, I've had the chance to make so many amazing friends and deepen the connections I already had," she says. Her advice to others, especially youth from rural areas like her own, is simple but powerful: "You can still explore the world and study abroad. Rural Kentucky youth can pursue their dreams internationally." 

In Elizabeth Mikeworth, we see a young woman who has not only embraced the world but also found a way to bridge the gaps that often divide us. Her story is a reminder that no matter where you start, the world is full of possibilities waiting to be unlocked. For students interested in exploring their study abroad opportunities, schedule an appointment with WKU Global as your first step.