Osaka, Japan - Just weeks before walking across the stage at Middle Tennessee State University this May, Nashville’s own Monika Ilicic was already halfway around the world, representing the United States as a Youth Ambassador at the 2025 World Expo in Osaka, Japan.

Ilicic, a recent graduate from MTSU’s Department of World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures, with a concentration in Japanese, is one of just 89 young Americans selected for the prestigious ambassador program. The opportunity is a collaboration between the U.S. Department of State and Sister Cities International.

“I believe this once-in-a-lifetime internship worked out perfectly with my academics,” Ilicic said. “I’m grateful to MTSU for giving me the tools and amazing professors who helped make it possible.”

At the six-month Expo—expected to welcome more than 28 million visitors from around the globe—Ilicic is serving at the U.S. Pavilion through October 15. Her duties range from guiding international guests through immersive exhibits to live interpreting, managing queues, and introducing visitors to “Spark,” the pavilion’s energetic virtual mascot.

A native of Croatia and fluent in four languages, Ilicic came to MTSU to follow her passion for people, language, and culture. Her work at the Expo puts all those skills to the test daily. “I use Japanese constantly and work with people from many different cultures—leading tours, presenting in front of crowds. This has stretched and strengthened every part of my training.”

Though this is Ilicic’s second time living in Japan—her first was through a 2023 MTSU study abroad program—it’s her first time experiencing such a large international event firsthand. She’s determined to visit every pavilion in the 383-acre expo park. “I’ve managed to see about 30% of them so far,” she said with a laugh.

MTSU faculty recognized Ilicic’s potential long before her trip. Professor of Japanese Priya Ananth, who mentored and recommended her for the program, described Ilicic as “an outstanding student inside and outside the classroom” and praised her for taking on leadership roles in student organizations and community outreach.

Ilicic graduated summa cum laude and hopes to return to Japan through the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program, where she can combine her love of teaching, language, and international friendship.

“There’s something really special about using language to build bridges between people. That’s what I love most,” she said.

From Murfreesboro to Osaka, it seems some journeys really are meant to be.