University of Kentucky offering new esports study abroad program in South Korea

A recently announced study abroad opportunity for University of Kentucky students will be hosted by two research universities in Seoul, South Korea. Hanyang University and Korea University will welcome a group of UK students for a four-week esports program this summer. Students will stay in campus dorms, take courses from the host universities, and participate in esports events. They will also meet with professional esports coaches and players and will design, coordinate, and execute an event with South Korean peers. Administrators say that the trip will provide valuable experience that may help students pursue a career in esports while also promoting cultural exchange and enrichment.

University of Kentucky is teaming up with Gen.G and International Studies Abroad (ISA) to offer this opportunity. In a news release from UK, the executive director of Education Initiatives at Gen.G, Joe Baek, said of the program, "As the first and only esports organization to connect the biggest esports markets in the world, Gen.G is at the forefront of developing outcome-driven, world-class education with global implications. This new opportunity through UK is the epitome of this effort."

The esports team at the University of Kentucky was established in 2019 with the goal of not only achieving success at esports events, but also of discovering opportunities to usher students into careers in the field. UK Associate Chief Information Officer, Heath Price, noted, "Great partners lead to great outcomes. We are very excited to have this type of international collaboration with Gen.G and ISA."

Associate provost and associate vice president for UK Student Success, Katherine M McCormick, talked about what makes this study abroad program stand out. She said, "This program is unique in that it gives our students a chance to experience esports and gaming through a cultural lens. Gaming is a $180+ billion industry, and esports specifically with $1 billion in gross revenue, are sectors where jobs are developing quickly across multiple disciplines: computer science and engineering, communication, marketing/social media, accounting, event promotion and facility management."

Baek echoed McCormack's sentiments saying, "Visiting students will have the opportunity to experience esports like never before: meetings with pro players and coaches, seminars with industry professionals and workshops with students specializing in esports — all culminating in a final project where students from both the U.S. and Korea work together to design, prepare and execute an actual esports event. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, all held within the backdrop of the birthplace of esports."

Applications for the program are due by May 15, and a $1500 scholarship sponsored by ISA is available to the first 15 students to complete the application process. Once accepted, students will be able to select from a number of courses including language, cultural studies, science, and communications classes. The trip is scheduled for June 30 through August 1.