5 Struggles Most Immigrants Relate To
No matter where you’re immigrating to or where you’re immigrating from, you’re likely to face some problems as you get settled in a new country. Believe it or not, most immigrants experience the same issues, but to varying degrees.
As a modern Hebrew institution, we provide Hebrew language courses to many immigrants, and here are a few struggles that they all seem to go through:
1. The Language Difficulties
This is the biggest concern for immigrants.
Having to adjust to an entirely new environment is already difficult, but it’s made much tougher if you don’t speak the language fluently or aren’t well-versed in it enough to communicate comfortably.
People looking to live in Israel, for example, should start learning Hebrew months before their departure. But they often arrive in Israel knowing just a few words of Hebrew and then have to learn Hebrew in Israel.
2. The Job Hunt
Finding gainful employment is key to standing on your own feet and build a life for yourself. This is another area where immigrants struggle.
Unless you’re migrating purely for professional reasons, i.e., after having received a job offer, you’re likely to spend some time searching for a suitable job.
The job hunt can be a lot harder if you’re already dealing with a language barrier.
Recommend reading: 7 Things to Know Before Moving to Israel
3. Having a Home
Immigrants generally have little to no idea of how the housing market works in their new country. Online searches can differ greatly from the ground realities, but they offer a reliable starting point to collect some information.
Many immigrants end up living with a friend, relative, or family member for a while.
As they get more comfortable and settled in their new country, they’ll start looking for a place of their own.
4. Transport and Logistics
It takes a substantial amount of time for immigrants to figure out train lines, bus stations, and important routes in the area where they now live.
For immigrants that have moved to a big city with a sizable population, the crowds of people on public transportation can be intimidating.
Immigrants who can drive aren’t immune from difficulties, either. They might need to get used to driving on a different side of the road, for example, and familiarize themselves with local laws so they can get licensed.
5. The Culture Shock
Immigrants might hail from very different cultures than the ones prevalent in their new country. This can create a sense of disorientation and confusion in them.
Local norms and traditions, work habits, professional responsibilities, and other factors might differ greatly, resulting in some potential discomfort.
Ultimately, many immigrants find a middle ground. They hold on to many of their values while adapting some from the country they live in.
At Ulpan-Or, we offer high-quality Hebrew learning courses, giving people around the world the chance to learn Hebrew online with native teachers.
Our courses cater to everyone and all age groups, from people interested in beginner Hebrew courses to busy professionals wanting to learn Hebrew fast.
Study Hebrew with experienced Hebrew language instructors by contacting us today.
Tag:Israel, Israeli culture, Relocation