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A Global Classroom for Esports

Manchester University in Indiana, USA, has announced a partnership with South Korean esports powerhouse Gen.G Esports to join the organisation’s Practicum Abroad programme, a three-week study trip that lets students learn directly from esports professionals while exploring Korea’s gaming culture.

The programme, one of Gen.G’s most ambitious initiatives, offers participants a rare chance to travel to Seoul and gain hands-on insight into the world of professional gaming. Over the course of the trip, students will take part in mentorship sessions with industry experts, attend “lunch-and-learn” events, visit top esports organisations and game publisher studios, and discover Korea’s rich gaming history and culture.

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

From the Classroom to the Esports Arena

According to Manchester University’s Director of Esports, Garrett Schieferstein, the partnership reflects the university’s growing commitment to preparing students for global careers in competitive gaming.

“We are incredibly excited to partner with such an amazing esports organisation 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,” said Schieferstein.

He added that this collaboration offers “a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn more about esports on a global scale and experience South Korean esports and culture.”

Students looking to enrol must be part of a four-year accredited university programme (US or international) for the 2024/2025 or 2025/2026 academic year. The course costs $5,450 (around £4,100), not including airfare or dinners.

Esports Education on the Rise

The partnership between Manchester University and Gen.G is part of a wider movement where universities around the world are integrating esports into higher education. In 2025, institutions have been expanding their engagement with the gaming industry, offering everything from collegiate tournaments to specialised esports programmes.

Earlier this year, the University of Limerick teamed up with Logitech in a €2.5 million research project to study gamers’ habits, while Middle Tennessee State University introduced dedicated esports concentrations on its campuses. Similarly, the University of Suffolk has announced plans for new esports facilities.

With the esports job market growing rapidly, and reports showing that one in four young boys in the UK now aspire to work in the industry, opportunities like Gen.G’s Practicum Abroad could play a key role in shaping the next generation of gaming professionals.