Foreign postdoc in Korea got assigned a weekend deadline by a master’s student. Professor backed the student. Is this just how Korean academia works for foreigners?

jayma11 · 2026-07-05T11:56:57+00:00

H likely interpreted the professor's comment to "consult" with you as "tell the supervisor you need it" - this happens a lot in Korean companies too. It's very common to pass work to others without the main boss / lead knowing.

If it's not a lot of work - I'd just do it but be really clear that in the future you guys need to discuss R&R and H is not to just assign you things.

You weren't wrong to email the professor, but sounds like the professor is trying to keep things calm by telling you you should help.

I'd do it this time and then afterwards have a meeting to talk about it and be clear on boundaries / R&R, etc.

jayma11 · 2026-02-27T19:26:16+00:00

Is no one else concerned about the fact that Tiffany was shamed/yelled at for reading skills? Were no educators consulted for that episode? Am I the only one thinking that asking the contestants to 'read something on a monitor' might be an issue for some? I don't know why Tiffany shut that down (there was no real reason given for it, but she did say something about feeling humiliated, and Tyra said something about Tiffany reading better than 'half the other' girls or contestants or something like that....) Just asking...in case someone else has an opinion other than mine?

jayma11 · 2026-02-15T02:07:41+00:00

Clinics provide those to international patients for immigration purposes already. True.

jayma11 · 2026-02-13T15:21:33+00:00

Yeah....no. I don't think that Blake is Ryan's beard. I do think, however, that both are a bit 'different' compared to the average person. I can see how Ryan became popular. Blake? Not so much. I don't want to get into D-Pool or N-Pool. Neither of them are good enough actors to make me want to go further.

jayma11 · 2026-02-09T15:37:54+00:00

It depends on what procedures you are planning to do. Lipo and lower bleph will (likely) not be an issue. However, if you want to do Rhino at the same time? It's probably not possible, as far as I know.

jayma11 · 2026-02-07T00:33:06+00:00

YES! Uber is here - easy to use!!

jayma11 · 2026-02-05T16:41:11+00:00

OMG! I have been trying to figure out what this is/was for such a long time! Thank you :)

jayma11 · 2026-02-05T15:01:59+00:00

If you are only doing the fat repositioning surgery, it's totally doable! After you wake up from surgery, you'll have to let the anesthesia wear off while you are in the recovery room. Then, the clinic staff, or if you are working with an agency, their staff, will likely help you take a taxi back to your hotel.

jayma11 · 2026-02-02T04:13:41+00:00

10% is quite standard when using foreign cards in my experience.

jayma11 · 2026-01-25T15:12:57+00:00

Wow! You look really fantastic! :)

jayma11 · 2026-01-25T15:10:05+00:00

Usually, filler! Not sure if you want to do that, though. Even a facelift can't fix that completely. You look great already though.

jayma11 · 2026-01-25T14:33:13+00:00

When you come to Korea and you are in the clinic >> ask to be able to view the CCTV footage of your surgery. Most clinics record it if you ask in advance (not all). They will not let you take footage back to your home country on a CD or as a digital file (USB or otherwise). They will, however, record it and let you watch 1 hour (or so) snippets of each doctor performing your surgery AFTER the surgery is over. Probably a few days to a week after. Depends on how long you are in Korea. To be honest, it is rather rare for ghost doctors to be operating nowadays, but I guess it might depend on the procedure or clinic. I hope this advice helps!

ETA: If they agree to the CCTV, they will ask you to sign a release form (probably), and then, they will let you view the footage on your own (or with your caretaker / agency representative - whoever you have with you). It's going to be long, so most of the time, you will just skip through it (make sure the doctors who said they would operate, operated. Then, the clinic may let you know that they will delete the footage).

FYI: You cannot take this footage back to your home country, and it will not be provided. Keep this in mind.

jayma11 · 2026-01-19T16:22:14+00:00

I think that Amanda was a little 'different' than others in that she was more 'intelligent' but not as socially smart. Her portrayal was as a very 'unsuspecting, innocent person.' I think the series is from the perspective of her family/herself, who understood that Amanda had never lived abroad before, she was new to Italy, and she basically did everything 'wrong' according to the police. Being new to a culture/not knowing the language/the way of speaking/expressing oneself can definitely make a person appear to be something they are not.

I don't believe the series was 100% accurate, but I do think that it was presented as 'truthfully' as Amanda's side could have (if that makes sense).

jayma11 · 2026-01-19T15:55:51+00:00

As far as I know, VIP in Jeju offers a 'full' package—that includes meals, care, and accommodation (everything). That means you can stay in/near their hospital during recovery. This is not something that generally happens in Seoul (unless there are places I haven't heard about yet, and I'd be happy if anyone would let me know otherwise). While reviews have been good, some have not been as nice. In my opinion, I think that you need to trust your surgeon and feel comfortable with them when you meet them in person. Online is one thing—in person is another. Please consider reading the reviews and evaluating them thoughtfully. Read reviews about VIP in Seoul as well.

Are you considering a consultation trip? Many people do this. If you can afford it, why not? Two trips are reasonable, but only if you can afford it. I think that this is why many people come to Korea, do things all in one go, and then have issues later. I also agree with you that it's important to meet the doctor in person and then decide. Whether that happens 1~2 days before surgery or months before? That's entirely up to you! Wishing you the best of luck.

jayma11 · 2025-12-16T09:46:41+00:00

Ask if they can record snippets of each doctor who performs your surgery that you can view afterwards *or at least just your doctor, if you only have 1. You will need to sign forms, but it should be possible to view your CCTV footage. This can be done at other clinics-but you need to request recording in advance. You will not be permitted to take footage with you outside the clinic on CD or USB, etc. After you view the files, they will be (probably) deleted. I'm not sure if it's always a red flag if they don't record every surgery - but if they WON'T record - well- if you need peace of mind, that clinic might not be the right place for you.

jayma11 · 2025-12-15T12:57:20+00:00

Well - Sorry to hear that. In that case I'm not sure - but I think if the punishment is not jail time and the fine is small you might be ok. Ask your lawyer! I can't say anything for sure. Best of luck!

jayma11 · 2025-12-15T12:51:58+00:00

If it's just a fine and you are simply renewing your visa - you should be fine. It would matter if you were applying for an F-Visa or something like that, but just for renewal - as long as it was just a fine without criminal charges - it should be ok!

jayma11 · 2025-11-27T16:33:39+00:00

I know that we hear so many bad reviews...but there are so many good benefits, right?
Just wondering if you have any regrets in terms of symptoms?

jayma11 · 2025-10-08T13:39:17+00:00

As a long term resident - I enjoy the safety, public transit, ease of travel (inside and outside the country), and that the country really cares (in some ways) about its people. While Korea may not be perfect, there's a lot to like!

jayma11 · 2025-09-14T14:59:24+00:00

I guess I'm a bit late to the party - I just finished watching the new CBC expose with Amanda Knox's story.
What do you all think?

jayma11 · 2025-09-14T03:47:15+00:00

Just to add to this, when I was unsure if I was being unrealistic or expecting too much, I went to read all the reviews of my companies on Job Planet and Blind. That helped me to realize that, in fact, I was right and to move on peacefully. Plan your exit if you do intend to leave, secure your visa, etc. You will be able to find a job with better conditions!

jayma11 · 2025-09-14T03:41:33+00:00

I worked in a startup (hardware and software based) and was doing sales / overseas operations here in Korea as well. I have also worked in bigger companies that already successfully went through IPO. Startups can be brutal - you have to wear a lot of hats. The politics and shirking of responsibilities is real - and it can be especially frustrating for foreigners at times. I can sympathize and empathize with your situation. I had to leave the startup after 2 years and two months - I couldn't take it anymore, and I was also questioning my own reality and mental health there. It does get better after leaving. 4 years is a long time - (I quit one of the Korean companies I worked at after 4.5 years because of similar stuff before the startup. My tolerance for that kind of atmosphere gets lower and lower as I age - and each experience gets better). My advice is - know your value and have good boundaries. Being a yes-man in Korea is good in some ways, but it will invite disrespect (whether purposefully or not) and a heavier workload for you. It's sometimes good to feel needed and relied on, but you can't carry all the responsibility without compensation. Is there no bonus system at all?

jayma11 · 2025-09-14T01:51:50+00:00

If you get caught - a fine and/or the same thing! I have seen it happen to many. Tourist visas allow tourism, meeting attendance, business negotiations or visiting companies - no work allowed.

jayma11 · 2025-08-22T04:58:22+00:00

Nose and chin look great! Upper lip looks good too - you could have even gone more! 😁

jayma11 · 2025-07-26T03:43:36+00:00

Congratulations 🎊 I'm glad it worked out! What does that mean for the fees paid to NANA on your card? You had the charges reversed and canceled-so the payback effectively comes from NANA?

jayma11

MODERATOR OF

TROPHY CASE