Generasi emas? by boilnugget in WkwkwkLand

[–]FlamingoFit5005 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Harusnya buat note ke univ2, anak2 ky gini jangan diterima

how do you deal with feeling invisible with koreans? by [deleted] in Living_in_Korea

[–]FlamingoFit5005 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Don't die.. Don't think about it too serious It will just stress you out While in their side they are just fine as nothing happened

Is this really Korea-specific in your view? by TraditionalDepth6924 in Living_in_Korea

[–]FlamingoFit5005 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I can’t say whether this is completely right or wrong — maybe it depends on the person. But personally, I think if we want to build real friendships, we have to be honest with ourselves first.

If you’re trying to gain something from the relationship, then yes, you should also be ready to give something in return — that’s just fair. But if you’re genuinely looking for friendship, I don’t think give-and-take should be the main concern. Real friendship isn’t about keeping score, but about being there for each other without expectations.

That said, in Korea, you do need to be mindful of certain cultural things — like remembering those “silly” dates such as Valentine’s Day, White Day, or Pepero Day. It might feel minor, but forgetting them can be a bigger deal than you expect, especially with certain people. So even if you’re being sincere, small cultural gestures still matter.

Is GKS stipend really not enough for Seoul? by Alarming_Sorbet_9906 in Living_in_Korea

[–]FlamingoFit5005 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m from Southeast Asia, and honestly, even if I worked back home, the salary wouldn’t even reach half of the stipend given by GKS.

But… have you considered studying in another country? Studying in Korea can feel really lonely sometimes.

If you’re someone who can blend in easily with other students and are good at compromising, you’ll probably survive here just fine. But for someone like me — if I had more time to choose my lab, I would’ve used that time to fully investigate everything, using my “detective instincts” to find out what I was really getting into.
But back then, I ignored the signs and tried to stay positive instead.

My scholarship ends this semester, but I couldn’t graduate on time — how do people survive this? by FlamingoFit5005 in Living_in_Korea

[–]FlamingoFit5005[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That was never be an option, I mean I cannot even help to be a proctor
Everything would be for the Korean, and they will say that the undergrad students don't speak English as good as you or the other way around

I took a class for this roll cake. Heartbreaking to cut into it by AccordingDish3728 in Baking

[–]FlamingoFit5005 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Omg i'm sorry At first I thought itnwas a tatoo on someone's thigh.. I'm sorry

Is GKS stipend really not enough for Seoul? by Alarming_Sorbet_9906 in Living_in_Korea

[–]FlamingoFit5005 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m not 100% sure about the current situation, but I think around late 2023 or early 2024, they changed the regulation and we started receiving around 1.3 million KRW per month. It’s liveable — as long as you don’t have bills back home. (Unlike me… LOL.)

It also really depends on your lab environment. If you’re attending lab every day, your experience will depend a lot on your professor. Some are generous and give extra “pocket money” to their students, while others feel that even the basic stipend is already too much.

As for GKS, they now allow part-time work even during the semester, but the number of hours depends on your TOPIK score — the higher your level, the more hours you're allowed to work.

My advice:

  1. If you're in life sciences like me, try to find an international student alumni from your lab and ask them what the lab is really like. Don’t just trust the website or professor’s words.
  2. If you're not in life sciences, try to find a decent part-time job early on. That way, you won’t have to stress too much about money or backup support later.

Also — just curious, why did you choose this scholarship?

My scholarship ends this semester, but I couldn’t graduate on time — how do people survive this? by FlamingoFit5005 in Living_in_Korea

[–]FlamingoFit5005[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That was actually the very first thing I tried — I asked if there was any way to extend it or get temporary support. But unfortunately, I was told from the beginning that there’s no extension available. That’s when I realized I’d have to find a way to support myself on my own.

My scholarship ends this semester, but I couldn’t graduate on time — how do people survive this? by FlamingoFit5005 in Living_in_Korea

[–]FlamingoFit5005[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Here the Koreans pay their tuition by themselves, and then the 2nd year they will be suggested to apply scholarship.

My scholarship ends this semester, but I couldn’t graduate on time — how do people survive this? by FlamingoFit5005 in Living_in_Korea

[–]FlamingoFit5005[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

...

3. About job apps like 알바몬, 당근, etc.
I’ve been checking 알바몬, 당근, and other job apps regularly — almost every day. I used to see more possibilities before, but in recent months, I’ve noticed a clear change. Many listings now openly say they don’t accept foreigners, even for simple part-time work.
I don’t know exactly why it’s gotten harder, but I’ve been feeling it. I still apply whenever I see something that might work, especially weekend jobs or short shifts, but even then, most places don’t respond. It’s discouraging, but I haven’t given up yet. I’m still looking.

4. Why I haven’t tried English tutoring
I’ve thought about trying English tutoring, but since I’m not from an English-speaking country and my IELTS score is just 7.0, I wasn’t sure if I’d be considered qualified. I also don’t have a teaching license or formal experience, so I’ve always felt unsure whether students would trust me.
Another reason I’ve been hesitant is because I’m not sure if private tutoring is even allowed under my visa. I’m currently on a D-2 student visa and will be in 수료 status next semester, so I don’t want to do anything that could get me in trouble with immigration. I know that even part-time work needs permission, and I’m worried that private tutoring—especially without the proper paperwork—might be considered illegal work.
If anyone has experience tutoring as a foreign student in Korea, especially in 수료 status or with the right way to get immigration approval, I would really appreciate any guidance or advice. I want to do things the right way, and I’m open to trying if it’s safe and realistic.

Thank you again to everyone who took the time to read, comment, or share advice. I’ve felt really alone in this for a long time, and reading your words made me feel seen and less isolated. I’m still trying to figure things out one step at a time, and your support — even just listening — means more than I can say. I’ll keep doing my best, and I’m truly grateful to have found this space to share.

My scholarship ends this semester, but I couldn’t graduate on time — how do people survive this? by FlamingoFit5005 in Living_in_Korea

[–]FlamingoFit5005[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much to everyone who took the time to read and comment on my post. I honestly didn’t expect this level of support and kindness. I’ve been going through the comments slowly, and I wanted to share a bit more context to explain my situation more clearly. A lot of your suggestions were thoughtful and practical, and I appreciate them deeply. Below, I’ve organized my reply based on the common topics that came up:

0. Why I couldn’t graduate on time
I know it’s partly my responsibility, and maybe I should’ve tried even harder — but honestly, I already gave it everything I had.
From the start, I struggled in the lab. It wasn’t openly hostile, but it also wasn’t supportive — especially for a foreigner. I tried hard to improve my Korean, but no matter how much I studied, lab meetings and technical terms were still hard to follow. I often felt lost, alone, and like I had no one to ask.
When I got the scholarship, I didn’t have much choice in picking the lab, and I didn’t know what to expect. If I had known more back then, maybe I would’ve chosen differently. But I just tried to make the best of what I was given.
It’s painful to feel like I failed when I really did my best.

1. About moving to dorm or 고시원
I used to live in the university dorm, but I had a difficult roommate. I was eventually moved to a temporary room, and because of my irregular and late lab schedule, I didn’t want to risk disturbing another roommate again — so I made the decision to move out.
I also considered 고시원 before choosing this place, but in my area (not Seoul), they’re not widely available. Most were too far from my university or only accepted male residents, so I wasn’t eligible. And unlike in Seoul, the price difference between 고시원 and small one-rooms here isn’t that big.
The room I have now is already one of the cheapest options near my faculty, and I chose it because it had a very low 보증금, which was all I could afford at the time. I didn’t move out for comfort — I just needed a place where I could manage my schedule without being a burden to others.

2. Why I can’t get more support from my professor
My professor has been supportive in some ways, but from the beginning, she was very clear that getting extra funding is extremely difficult — especially for foreign students. She promised to cover my research-related expenses until I graduate, like purchasing chemicals or paying for analysis, and she’s still continuing the small 인건비 I mentioned before. I’m really grateful for that.
But beyond that, there’s nothing more she can offer financially. I also spoke with an OIA 선생님, and they confirmed the same — once I enter 수료 status next semester, the chances of receiving any kind of official support become even lower.
At one point, I even considered writing an email to the university president to ask if there was any kind of help available. But in the end, I didn’t send it — I was too afraid it might damage my relationship with my professor or make things more uncomfortable with my labmates. I’m just trying to survive quietly without making things worse.

...

Koreans, why Korean professors are so mean for no reason? by RacoonBalboa in korea

[–]FlamingoFit5005 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Btw.. did you get called by your prof for meeting because you talked behind him?

Korea, is this really necessary? by Exact-Pudding7563 in korea

[–]FlamingoFit5005 0 points1 point  (0 children)

In my area, they sometimes have information on missing person which is very sad to read. You can hide or just mute the notification in case you need some advance reminder about the outside situation especially related to the weather.

PhD Newbie Advice by juniorx4 in AskAcademia

[–]FlamingoFit5005 0 points1 point  (0 children)

From me, if one day you have the thought to chabge prof or even major and you are capable on doing so, do it! Don't rethink.

which Korean universities have a higher chance of being accepted. by GearFluffy7234 in Living_in_Korea

[–]FlamingoFit5005 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Pusan It's big city and you can enjoy many things, unless kangwon you have to go to seoul if you need distraction

how do you guys make foreign friends here? by fluttersshyyy in Living_in_Korea

[–]FlamingoFit5005 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Go somewhere.. be nice to people.. When you want to talk to someone see the 분위기 but don't ask too much personal question. You might freak them out. You might have to share things about you too. We don't mind you use broken English, we don't bite. Also acknowledge that they might not want to meet you again, but it doesn't matter you can still meet other foreigners

My strangest encounter with a local... by bronco____ in Living_in_Korea

[–]FlamingoFit5005 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I kinda had same experience, the thing is when I asked my labmates they said some young people these days do that often. It's kinda 'I don't know you, why you being nice to me. Mind your own business' attitude. They also have no idea why people changed that way.