KENNESAW, Ga. | Sep 25, 2026

It was a trip to Japan during high school that sparked Leah Hackaday’s curiosity about how other countries operate and interact with each other, a curiosity that eventually led her to major in international affairs when she enrolled at Kennesaw State University. The opportunity to spend a semester in Japan during her junior year at KSU only grew her interest in the country.

Today, thanks to earning a competitive scholarship from the Japanese government, Hackaday, a graduate of KSU’s School of Government and International Affairs, has now begun studying for a master’s degree in international affairs at Waseda University in Tokyo.

“I’m incredibly honored to have been selected for this scholarship,” said Hackaday, who also minored in Japanese at KSU. “This is something I’ve been working toward for a couple of years, so having it confirmed was a strange feeling. It honestly didn’t sink in until I landed in Japan.”

The Japan government’s MEXT Scholarship provides international students with an opportunity to study at Japanese universities, immersing them in Japanese society and language. It covers full tuition, airfare, and provides a monthly living stipend for international students.

With support from KSU’s Education Abroad, Hackaday spent six months in a study-abroad program in Japan at Toyo University, learning even more about the culture and learning some Japanese along the way.

“My semester abroad gave me the confidence and independence to take this next step,” she said. “After living and studying on my own in Japan for six months, I wanted to return for a longer period.”

At Waseda, Hackaday hopes to strengthen her research skills, deepen her understanding of international education, improve her Japanese, and build relationships with faculty and students from around the world.

She plans to research international higher education and how it can be used to benefit the global community.

“I chose to study Japan as its aging population is a case study for policy challenges that many developed countries are beginning to face,” she said.

Hackaday said her KSU journey provided a strong foundation in theory, critical thinking, academic writing, and research. She credits faculty members like Eric Castater, John Moran and Stephen Collins for encouraging her to always pursue more opportunities and knowledge.

“Dr. Collins and especially Dr. Castater provided advice on my research proposal for Waseda University, which no doubt helped me build a stronger application,” she said. “I would not have the knowledge or academic confidence needed to pursue this scholarship without their influence.”

For Ramazan Kilinc, director of KSU’s School of Government and International Affairs, Hackaday’s accomplishment is a proud moment.

"Leah’s achievement is a source of great pride for KSU and SGIA,” Ramazan said. “Earning the prestigious MEXT Scholarship reflects her hard work, curiosity, and the transformative power of international education, which she took during her undergraduate studies. We look forward to seeing the impact she will make through her studies in Japan and future career in international affairs.”

As Hackaday settles into her new life at Waseda, she is enjoying Japan’s food and culture while looking forward to all the adventures this next chapter will bring.

“I’m nervous but excited beyond compare and very thankful to everyone who helped me achieve this goal,” she said. “Receiving this scholarship is a reminder not to doubt myself and never give up without trying.”

– Story by Christin Senior

Photo provided

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to its more than 51,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university's vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties, and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 8 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.