MIU has officially been selected as one of only 13 universities in the United States to join the prestigious Gen.G Practicum Abroad program. This program provides students with a three-week immersive educational experience in Seoul, South Korea, led by one of the world’s top esports organizations.

Pictured above: Cole Kerrigan, Taylor Miller, Christopher Revolinski, and Aaron Painter

For MIU Esports, this partnership represents a milestone in credibility, opportunity, and global engagement.

“I see it as a form of brand insulation,” said Eric Enlow, Head Esports Coach at MIU. “It shows that our esports program is serious and that we’re working with industry leaders to take our players to the next level, not just as gamers, but as future professionals.”

A partnership that elevates MIU’s esports identity

MIU’s approach to Esports is based in professionalism, development, and long-term career transformation.

According to Eric, the partnership signals to students and recruits that MIU is committed to providing real pathways into the esports industry.

“A brand like Gen.G makes us very appealing,” Eric explained. “Students want assurance that what they’re learning will help them achieve their dreams. This partnership gives them recognition from people already doing what they want to do.”

The collaboration was initiated after Coach Enlow discovered the Practicum Abroad program at the National Association of Esports Coaches and Directors (NACAD) conference. MIU moved quickly through the Gen.G process for the best chance to participate in this opportunity.

“Gen.G was surprised by how ready we were,” Eric said. “Other schools said it might take two or three years. We got it done right away, and that’s how we became part of the original 13.”

How the program works

Once a year, MIU Athletics will send students to Seoul for a 3–4 week immersive experience that blends industry education, cultural exploration, and professional development. Students will:

• Work on real esports projects
• Participate in mock interviews and resume-building sessions
• Meet industry leaders and team staff
• Learn about esports business models, marketing, recruitment, and brand growth
• Engage in cultural experiences guided by local experts

These experiences culminate in a final project or deliverable that students present at the end of the trip.

Coach Eric believes the cultural component alone has the potential to be life changing.

“Experiences like these can profoundly impact how we see the world and relate to others,” he said. “Independent of esports, this type of immersion in another country and culture can shape a person’s outlook for years to come.”

Preparing students for esports careers

The Practicum Abroad program is designed not only for students who want to compete professionally, but also for those interested in careers in coaching, team management, esports business, marketing and content creation, event production, and echnology and game publishing.

This partnership teaches students exactly how to turn their passion into a career.

“It gives them the tools, connections, and insights to make themselves visible to people who would pay them to be in esports,” Eric said. “It turns a hobby into a profession, just like it did for me.”

Boosting academic and personal growth

Coach Enlow also emphasized the academic benefits. Students are motivated by the opportunity and work harder to qualify. He expects students to return with renewed focus, professionalism, and awareness of what top-level esports requires, including leadership, teamwork, marketing skills, and personal development.

MIU athletics plans to integrate the experience into its Consciousness-Based Sports approach.

“We use the best techniques available and filter them through the lens of CBS,” Eric explained. “We will organize and incorporate everything we learn in Korea into our coaching and curriculum so that we get the most out of it.”

Positioning MIU as a national leader in esports

With hundreds of universities across the US, only 13 were selected to join Gen.G’s program.

“By being a pioneer like this, we’re redefining what higher education can be,” Eric said. “The goal is talent development, and this program delivers that in a unique, enjoyable, and deeply meaningful way.”

For MIU students and recruits, the message is clear: the future of esports is global, and MIU is determined to be part of shaping it.

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Maria Eduarda Rodrigues da Silva is the Sports Editor for MIU News and the Sports Information and Creative Director for the MIU Athletics Department.