The Midnight Runner Korea Podcast. ESL Podcasting In Seoul Korea At Its Finest!

Teacher Fired After Catching Swine Flu

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 09:04:00 +0900

UPDATE from Mark: "Ok, I accepted the principal's offer. I told him if he paid me for the two weeks I worked this month, plus my entire flight home, I would accept. He agreed to this, and now "Mark" is officially re-hired as of tomorrow. I have to say, I am happy with this outcome, technically I still got shafted a bit, but realistically I think this is my best option right now." _______________________________________ Not only did he catch the swine flu… he GOT FIRED as a result of it! Click to hear all about it, from how the teacher found out he had swine flu, to his treatment, and his academy’s reaction! Song Credit: A.M.O.R.I.C. - Only For You Image Source: archiemcphee at Flickerphotos

SMOE Cancels 100 Public School Jobs At Last Minute

Sat, 22 Aug 2009 22:36:00 +0900

UPDATE ARTICLE HERE: http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2009/08/117_50686.html Comment: This is just HORRIBLE. Basically, SMOE is saying they purposely over-hired because some teachers quit, that half of the instructors quit voluntarily (after they were told they had no job), and that they aren't reimbursing those who paid for tickets. _____________________ After SMOE recently canceled 100 public school contracts within a few days of teachers flying to Korea, Ben from Footprints Recruting sheds some light on what actually happened. Hear about the impact on recruiters and teachers, as well as what is being done to handle the aftermath. As Ben mentions, several teachers who expected to work in Seoul were instead placed in EPIK, which includes jobs out in the provinces. EPIK "stepped up to the plate" and helped place canceled teachers quickly. I didn't ask him, however, if he thinks this will have a negative impact on teacher morale, and cause a lot of "runners" later in the year? Obviously, Ben and other recruiters are working feverishly to fix a mess that was never their fault. But from a teachers perspective, would you like being shoehorned into a job out in the sticks? One has to ask why SMOE waited until the last minute to drop this on teachers. Surely someone is happy that several unwanted public school jobs in the provinces are now being filled, but sadly, it's at the expense of teachers and recruiters who originally had other plans.

Gina Agency on Insurance in Korea

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 04:51:00 +0900

I am re-posting this interview, which was done in Sept. 2008. When the parent Mypodcast hosting site did some updates, it was lost. I have now uploaded it again after finding the original file on my hard drive. Some of this information is time-sensitive, as with insurance, things always change. Even the AIG name is going through a change. If you'd like to contact Gina directly, call 82) 02-794-7414, 82) 02-793-6903 (Office), 82) 011-9873-7415 (Mobile) or e-mail: ginajun@kornet.net

Owning a Motorcycle in Korea

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 09:37:00 +0900

Three experienced motorcycle riders -- Bob, Chris, and Derek -- discuss anything and everything about owning and riding a motorcycle in Korea. Learn all about what to buy, where to buy, how to get licensed, testing for your license, travel in/out of Seoul, police run-ins, and more!

Free Korean Study at Abraham House

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 04:07:00 +0900

Abraham House in Itaewon offers free* Korean classes and opportunities to enjoy cultural exchange. Abraham House looks much like a home inside, where teachers and students can socialize comfortably and even use kitchen facilities to teach each other the foods of their culture. For more information, call 02-790-0900 or 010-3274-7007. *Classes are free after a 50,000 won registration and book fee.

Urban Exploration in Korea

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 10:05:00 +0900

John discusses his website and Urban Exploration in South Korea. Hear about his experiences photographing condemned buildings, abandoned amusement parks, and more. John’s website can be found at: http://www.daehanmindecline.com/UEseoul/

Cheating Landlord Gets His Day in Court

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 08:30:00 +0900

A landlord cheated a foreign teacher and his Korean wife out of their deposit when they moved out of their apartment. What did they do about it? They took their landlord to court, and the landlord eventually had to pay. Hear this wildly interesting story about how the Korean legal system works when a landlord cheats a tenant out of a deposit, complete with stickers on auction items and Matrix-like government bouncers. Note from interviewee: "I forgot to mention during the interview that several times during this process we had to put down deposit money for certain procedures. Something along the line of W500,000 (plus 100,000 for breaking the lock) total. That was returned to us with the collected money."

Guitar and Instrument Buying in Seoul

Sat, 07 Feb 2009 10:33:00 +0900

My friend Yvon shares his wisdom as to where you can find the best deals on guitars and other instruments in Seoul. He's closing his shop, "The HUGE" and wants to pass on what he's learned through years of experience. He's also selling off his remaining stock, and is happy to help others find the guitar of their dreams. If you're into guitars, you won't want to miss this podcast! You can find Yvon's website and contact information at: www.harpo.ca

TBS eFM "Soul of Asia" Interview with The Midnight Runner

Wed, 04 Feb 2009 02:36:00 +0900

Listen to an interview about The Midnight Runner with Sara from "The Soul of Asia" TBS eFM radio show on Monday, February 2. We talked about how someone can set up their own podcast, as well as some of the shows you see on this page. For those of you who are curious about microphones, they used Sennheiser 421's. I'm not thrilled with their brittle sound, myself.

Life in Korea as a Teacher in 1984

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 19:19:00 +0900

Many native English teachers have been in Korea for 5 or 10 years, but few have been here as long as Thomas. Way back in 1984, Thomas began his teaching career at a private high school in Kyungju. Listen as Thomas talks about his experiences as one of the few foreign teachers in Korea at that time. Learn about his homestay experience, how he met his wife, how their bi-racial son was treated in school, and much more! Song Credit: Ben Hammond - No History: www.benhammondmusic.com

Unpaid Teacher Takes Boss To Labor Board and Wins

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 01:35:00 +0900

Have you ever worked for a school, and found that when payday came, the boss either forgot, or refused to pay you? It happens a lot at private academies in Korea. Today we talk to a teacher who didn't put up with it, and instead, took his boss to the Korean Labor Board. What happened? He won! Listen and learn about his experience. If you need to contact the Labor Board, you can do so by dialing 1350 on your mobile phone (yes, just 4 digits), or click here: http://www.korea4expats.com/article-labor-board-commission.html Song Credit: Ben Hammond - Something New : www.benhammondmusic.com

Cambridge Day 2008: Presentations, FREE Books & Food!

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 03:02:00 +0900

Teachers, don't miss Cambridge Day this Saturday, Nov. 8 at Busan National University in Busan and Sunday, Nov. 9 at Korea University in Seoul! Pre-register for this free event, and enjoy conferences, free food, FREE BOOKS, and more! This is a great chance for you to network with other teachers in South Korea! Hundreds of teachers attend each year! For a complete rundown, visit: http://www.cupkorea.co.kr/popup2008/camday_main.htm

Giving Birth in Korea as a Foreigner

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 05:24:00 +0900

I talk with Victoria and her husband Steven as they discuss giving birth in Korea as a foreigner. Hear their experiences, both good and bad, at two hospitals in Seoul. They also give their suggestions on things to consider if you are planning a birth in Korea. Song Credit: Cantinero - Lights Went Out

Getting Involved in Korea

Sat, 16 Aug 2008 10:02:00 +0900

Joshua from KOTESOL gives us ideas on how to get out and get involved in different organizations in South Korea. In addition to discussing KOTESOL, Joshua talks about meeting interesting people through Toastmasters, and The Royal Asiatic Society. Web sites here: www.kotesol.org , www.alak.or.kr , www.kate.or.kr , www.raskb.com , www.toastmasters.org Song Credit: After Thought by The Second Advance

On public school & UNI jobs in Korea

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 10:50:00 +0900

Bibbitybop covers tons of ground discussing public school jobs. We also get into the transition from a public school job to a position at a university. With stagnant salaries, increased workloads, and shortened vacations, is a university job worth leaving a good public school job for? Bibbitybop from the eslcafe weighs-in on his thoughts on many topics. Bibbitybop worked in the Korean public school system for 2 years, and moved to a university job this year. I also share some of my own thoughts on the topic. Every situation is different, but perhaps our discussion could give you some things to think about. Song credit: Free Love by Derek James

Why Get an F-5-9 Visa in Korea?

Sun, 07 Sep 2008 09:10:00 +0900

Wayne discusses his experiences with upgrading to an F-5-9 visa. What is this visa? What does it offer long-time foreigners in Korea? Listen and find out! Wayne also discusses the KEI-TEFL program and KEISIE Graduate School programs. For more information, see: http://www.koredinco.com

Is there life after teaching overseas?

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 00:42:00 +0900

Have you ever asked yourself what job you might get after going home? Do you fear whether your overseas teaching experience will be considered worthwhile by future employers? How about for those of us married to people of other nationalities? Do you wonder how your foreign spouse will endure the culture shock of living in a new country? We’ll explore these questions and more as we talk to Jeff in Canada via Skype. Jeff worked in Korea for several years, and then returned home with his Korean wife in tow. How’s life going for them? Find out! My Podcast Alley feed! {pca-cfac0471407a08a82549b5532c47130e}

Should you teach in Korea or Japan? "Tiger Beer" dishes on both.

Sat, 23 Aug 2008 08:39:00 +0900

Should you teach in Korea? Or Japan? Kevin, otherwise known as "Tiger Beer" from eslcafe.com dishes on his experiences in both. If you've ever wondered about teaching in either of these countries, you don't want to miss this interview!

Tip a Glass at Stompers in Itaewon

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 09:51:00 +0900

Dwayne, owner of Ole' Stompers in Itaewon discusses his foreign-owned bar, his feelings on "blood money", and more. Hear what it's like for a foreigner to run a bar in Itaewon. Dwayne also discusses the changes on "the hill" in Itaewon -- both good and bad.

Counseling Foreigners in Korea

Sun, 17 Aug 2008 12:48:00 +0900

Harpeau (Yvon) of Dave's eslcafe discusses his work as a mental health counselor in South Korea. Hear his thoughts on different issues facing foreigners in Korea, and what type of help is available for those who need someone to talk to. See www.harpo.ca to learn more about Yvon's counseling services. This is part 1 of a 2 part series, to be completed at a later date.

Professor Rod Ellis Speaks on Task-Based Teaching

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 03:43:00 +0900

Professor Rod Ellis is a Professor in the Department of Applied language studies and Linguistics at University of Auckland, New Zealand. In addition Professor Ellis is a TESOL Professor and Chair of the Graduate School of Education at Anaheim University in Anaheim, California where he teaches various online courses in the Master of Arts in TESOL. Professor Ellis Since 1980 has authored more than 30 articles on second language acquisition.

Foreigner Who Owns an Academy In Korea Speaks!

Sat, 09 Aug 2008 07:58:00 +0900

Dr. Paul Robertson of Time-Taylor International and The Asian EFL Journal dishes on what it's like for a foreigner to open a language academy in Korea. Paul also discusses the legalities of an F-2-1 visa holder setting up their own home school and tax implications of teaching privates. Paul also talks about his school opening soon in the Philippines. Over 300,000 Koreans are now studying English there. What are the schools like? What do they cost Koreans? Hear about this and more in this special episode! You can learn more about Dr. Robertson at his site: http://www.asian-efl-journal.com/

From Harriers to Hagwon

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 02:23:00 +0900

What options are available if you want to better yourself as a teacher? Join us at a coffee shop in Kangnam as we talk to a Whistleblower from eslcafe.com. He works for the Wall Street Institute as a program manager, and he'll discuss what he did before coming to Korea, his training to become an ESL teacher, and what being a program manager at his school is all about. He'll also ask me a few questions about my Masters in Education distance program.

Teaching Out In The Sticks

Sat, 02 Aug 2008 05:10:00 +0900

My friend, Steven (otherwise known as Yu Bum Suk from eslcafe.com) talks about what it's like to live and work in a public/private school far away from the big city. Learn about Steven's experiences, his teaching strategies, and more! This podcast was recorded on the patio of a restaurant in Itaewon. We were close to the street, so there was a lot of vehicle noise. I added some compression in post to boost the voices a bit. I again used the front 90 degree microphone setting on my Zoom H2. Low cut was active.

Meet Omer from Sultan Kebab in Itaewon, Seoul

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 05:07:00 +0900

Do you like Turkish Kebab? I do, and there's no better place to get it than from Sultan Turkish Kebab in Itaewon! This tasty restaurant is my favorite place for fast, healthy food at a great price. Just 3,000 won gets you the best kebab in Korea. Listen to the restaurant owner, Omer Yilmaz, talk about his hometown, his business, his family, his plans for growing his restaurant, and more! This podcast was recorded entirely with my Zoom H2 recorder. Send me an e-mail if you'd like to learn more about this device.

A "head teacher" discusses what it's like to manage other foreign teachers

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 08:00:00 +0900

An academy "head teacher" discusses what it's like to be in charge of over 20 foreign teachers at Topia Academy in Seoul. Hear about what it's like to act as mediator between the desires of foreign teachers and the demands of management. What does it take to become a "head teacher" at an academy such as his? What kinds of problems does he face? Has he encountered any difficult foreigners? Listen and find out!

Interview with KORVIA Teacher Recruitment

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 05:10:00 +0900

In this episode, we discuss a number of issues affecting teachers in South Korea, including: hiring difficulties due to changes in new E-2 visa rules, drug testing and criminal checks, how massive teacher layoffs in Japan have influenced job availability in South Korea, and much more! You can visit Korvia's website at www.korvia.com This episode was recorded entirely with my Zoom H2 recorder. The interview was done with the Zoom H2 set in stereo 2-channel mode. I was disappointed in the sound quality, but much of that problem is due to location, and because I'm still learning how to use my recorder. We were too far from the H2. I had to add some heavy compression to bring out Ann and Henry's voices a bit, which changed the audio quite drastically. My Podcast Alley feed! {pca-cfac0471407a08a82549b5532c47130e}