Bringing Students to the Heart of Esports

Global esports powerhouse Gen.G has announced a major expansion of its Practicum Abroad programme, teaming up with 13 leading universities across the United States to give students hands-on experience inside South Korea’s thriving esports scene.

The initiative invites university students to spend three weeks in Seoul, where they’ll gain practical knowledge through industry projects, mentorship from professionals, and a deep dive into Korea’s unique gaming culture, all guided by Gen.G’s experienced staff.

Start your esports journey now!🏆🚀

Join our exclusive info session for the Gen.G “Holidays in Seoul” Practicum Abroad cohort, and gain insights from the industry professionals behind our multi-LCK Champions team!

During this session, we’ll cover:
✅ An overview of the program… pic.twitter.com/uW0UYyhNIA

— Gen.G Esports (@GenG) October 19, 2025

A Deep Learning Experience in Seoul

The Practicum Abroad is designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world esports careers. Students will take part in specialised lectures from Gen.G professionals, attend Q&A sessions with leadership, and explore what it takes to work behind the scenes of a top-tier organisation competing in League of Legends Champions Korea (LCK), VALORANT, Rocket League, and PUBG.

Beyond the classroom, participants will visit gaming publisher studios, meet esports professionals, and discover Korea’s cultural landmarks, from historic palaces to modern K-culture experiences like wearing the traditional Hanbok and attending entertainment events.

Graduates receive a Certificate of Completion, recognising their participation and new skills in esports project work, marketing, and event management.

The Universities Partnering With Gen.G

The expanded programme now includes 13 universities:

Conestoga College, Augustana University, Buena Vista University, Illinois College, Manchester University, Seton Hall University, Shenandoah University, Syracuse University, St. Thomas University, University of Kansas, Maharishi International University, Randolph-Macon College, and University of Hawai‘i.

Gen.G CEO Arnold Hur described the initiative as the organisation’s most ambitious educational push yet. “Students will be fully immersed in Korea with hands-on experiences to give them a 360-degree view of the esports industry,” he said.

How to Apply for Gen.G Practicum Abroad

Students can apply directly via Gen.G’s official website under the Practicum Abroad section.

To be eligible, applicants must be enrolled in a four-year accredited university, either in the US or internationally, during the 2024–2025 or 2025–2026 academic years.

The programme fee is USD $5,450 per student, which covers accommodation, travel insurance, meals (breakfast and lunch), local transport, and on-site staff support. Students will need to cover their own international flights, dinners, and personal expenses.

Only one application per student is accepted, and submitting multiple forms will lead to disqualification.

Testimonials From Past Participants

Previous trainees have described the Practicum as a transformative step into the professional world of gaming and esports.

Lisa Wei, from the 2024 Holidays in Seoul cohort, said the programme “built a community of passionate people and gave me connections that continue to support my career journey.”

Daniel Liscum called it “a life-changing experience,” adding that it was “the bridge between my university studies and real-world application in a Tier 1 esports organisation.”

For Annie Casadevall, it was the inside look at “how fast-paced esports marketing really is” that made the programme unforgettable.

Gen.G’s Commitment to Esports Education

Through its Gen.G Foundation and Global Academy, the organisation has already awarded scholarships to over 40 students across the US, part of a USD $1 million pledge to grow educational opportunities in gaming.

With the addition of these 13 partner universities, Gen.G continues to build a bridge between academia, professional esports, and global culture, preparing the next generation of talent for the ever-evolving world of gaming.

The post Gen.G Expands Its Esports Practicum Abroad With 13 Partner Universities – Here’s How Students Can Join appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Bridging Education and Esports

Shenandoah University Esports has officially partnered with Gen.G Esports, marking a major step in connecting education with the global gaming industry. The partnership will offer students hands-on experience, mentorship, and international learning opportunities designed to prepare them for careers in esports.

Global Learning With Gen.G

Through this collaboration, Shenandoah students will gain access to real-world industry professionals for advice, experiential learning, and career support. One of the biggest highlights is a Global Experiential Learning (GEL) Trip to South Korea, where students will work directly with mentors at Gen.G’s headquarters on real-world projects.

“This partnership will allow our students to gain access to real-world industry professionals to seek advice, experiential learning opportunities, and support as they transition from their educational journey to careers,” said Alyssa Duran, Esports Director at Shenandoah University. “I am most excited for our students to engage in a Global Experiential Learning Trip to South Korea in which students will partner with industry mentors on a real-world project at Gen.G’s headquarters.”

A Growing Academic Alliance

The partnership builds upon Shenandoah’s previous collaborations with Gen.G, including the Gen.G Practicum Abroad programme, ChallengHER Summit, Gaming Leaders of Tomorrow, and several Campus Takeover events. This expanded partnership aims to enhance academic offerings, increase professional development opportunities, and give students new global experiences through travel and cultural exchange.

Gen.G’s Continued Focus on Education

Gen.G has long been known for investing in education and youth development through gaming. Beyond its professional teams, the organisation has established numerous academic initiatives under the Gen.G Foundation and through partnerships with universities worldwide.

In recent months, Gen.G joined forces with McDonald’s for a Campus Takeover at Marymount University, and teamed up with Manchester University for a three-week esports ecosystem course in Seoul. These programmes reflect the organisation’s mission to help fans and students alike use gaming to advance both in and beyond competition.

Recognising Shenandoah’s Esports Leadership

Launched in 2018, Shenandoah University’s esports programme has quickly become one of the leading collegiate esports initiatives in the United States. The programme earned four awards at the 2025 National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE) Convention, highlighting its innovative approach to combining academics with the fast-growing esports sector.

Building the Future of Esports Education

With its continued emphasis on education, inclusivity, and international collaboration, Gen.G’s partnership with Shenandoah University sets a new standard for what esports education can achieve. Together, they’re helping shape a new generation of gaming professionals ready to lead the industry’s next chapter.

The post Shenandoah University Partners With Gen.G Esports To Boost Global Esports Education appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Natus Vincere (NAVI) is on the lookout for the next wave of Counter-Strike talent, opening applications for its Junior CS2 Project Season 3. If you’re between 15 and 17, play on FACEIT, and dream of going pro, this might just be your ticket in.

Graduates from the NAVI CS2 Junior roster go on to play on the big stage with top-tier teams. Wanna join them? Applications submission for the new NAVI CS2 Junior roster is now open! pic.twitter.com/tcbMmagiGx

— NAVI (@natusvincere) August 11, 2025

The NAVI Junior programme has already kick-started the careers of several young players who’ve gone on to compete at the highest level. Most recently, Drin “Makazze” Shaqiri went from the junior squad to NAVI’s main roster, debuting at IEM Cologne 2025 where they finished in the top four. Others from past seasons are now playing for FUT Esports and other top-tier teams.

This season, NAVI’s giving fresh talent the same chance to learn from experienced coaches, get guidance from club staff, and build the skills needed for a real shot at an esports career.

The requirements

Before you get too excited, here’s what you need to qualify:

• Age: 15–17 years old
• FACEIT ELO: 3400+
• Language: Conversational English or better
• Contracts: You can’t already be signed to another club

How to apply

The process is pretty straightforward, but NAVI does ask for a fair bit of detail. You’ll need to fill out their online form here: Apply for NAVI Junior CS2.

Here’s what you’ll have to provide:

• Basic info – Full name, nickname, date of birth, and where you’re from.
• English level – Choose from Intermediate (B1) up to Proficiency (C2).
• CS experience – Your history with CS:GO or CS2, preferred in-game roles, and your current FACEIT ELO.
• Your FACEIT profile
• A video resume (yes, you’ll need to talk about yourself and your gameplay)
• Any relevant socials
• Optional: Twitch/YouTube channel and HLTV profile
• Contact details – Email and phone number.

Why it’s worth trying

Even if you don’t make the cut this time, just going through the process gives you a good idea of what top organisations look for. For those who do get in, you’re looking at hands-on coaching, the chance to train like a pro, and the possibility of following in the footsteps of NAVI Academy graduates who are now competing on the big stage.

So if you’ve got the skills, the FACEIT ELO, and the drive, now’s the time. Applications are open this could be the first step in your pro CS2 journey.

The post NAVI Junior CS2 Season 3 Now Taking Applications – Here’s How You Can Join appeared first on Shane the Gamer.