If needed, use this list to supplement the lists that your students develop on their own.

  • Language
    • Attending school in a foreign language
    • Grocery shopping (how do you find the food you want in a foreign language?)
    • Going to the doctor (how do you say “my throat hurts” or “my foot is itchy” in a foreign language?)
  • Finding a job
  • Finding a community
  • Making new friends
  • Finding schools for children
  • Cultural Differences
    • Knowing what is considered polite or rude
    • Knowing what type of dress is appropriate for specific situations
    • Many schools have a 6-day school week
    • Sundays are regular school/work days
  • Homesickness
  • Religion
    • Kashrut (different certifications and halakhic rulings)
    • Calendar (school vacations are the Jewish holidays – no separate “winter break”)
    • Most stores close early on Fridays
    • One-day chag vs. two-day chag
  • Discrimination
    • All immigrants may face discrimination simply for being an immigrant
    • Immigrants of color may face racial discrimination based on their skin color
  • Understanding and navigating the systems of Israel – Israeli bureaucracy
    • Taxes
    • Healthcare
    • School
    • Car Insurance
    • Government
    • Investing/Pensions