Esports Dream Job? University Teams Up for Seoul Training!

Look Sports Media – Manchester University in Indiana, USA, is leveling up its esports offerings through a groundbreaking partnership with South Korean esports powerhouse, Gen.G Esports. This collaboration will see Manchester University students participating in Gen.G’s prestigious Practicum Abroad program, immersing them in the heart of the South Korean esports scene.

The three-week intensive program, based in Seoul, offers a unique opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge of the vibrant Korean esports ecosystem. Gen.G professionals will spearhead the program, providing invaluable mentorship, industry-focused "lunch-and-learns," and crucial professional networking opportunities. Participants will also get exclusive behind-the-scenes access, visiting competitive organizations and game publisher studios, all while absorbing the rich Korean culture and its deep-rooted esports history.

Garrett Schieferstein, Director of Esports at Manchester University, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership: "We are incredibly excited to partner with such an amazing esports organization like Gen.G to provide our students here at Manchester with an amazing opportunity to travel to Seoul and learn the esports industry from the best in the business. This travel abroad experience is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn more about esports on a global scale and experience South Korean esports/culture."

Arnold Hur, CEO of Gen.G, echoed this sentiment, stating, "This is our most ambitious program since the launch of our Gen.G Practicum Abroad program. The students will be fully immersed in Korea with hands-on experiences to give them a 360-degree view of the esports industry."

To be eligible for the program, students must be enrolled in a four-year US or international accredited university course during the 2024/2025 or 2025/2026 academic years. The program fee is $5450, excluding air travel and dinner.

This partnership comes at a time of growing interest in esports careers, with studies indicating a significant percentage of young people aspiring to work in the industry. Manchester University’s collaboration with Gen.G provides a unique pathway for students to gain the knowledge, skills, and connections necessary to succeed in this rapidly evolving field.

Meanwhile, in the UK, university esports initiatives are also expanding, though not without challenges. The University of Suffolk recently invested £1.65 million in a new esports facility. However, their new undergraduate esports degree program saw a modest initial enrollment of six students. A university spokesperson acknowledged the smaller cohort, attributing it to the program’s late launch and limited opportunities for prospective students to view the facilities during construction. The university remains optimistic about future growth, citing strong relationships with feeder colleges and the continued expansion of the esports industry.