Moving to Israel from America: 5 Mistakes to Avoid

Moving to Israel from America is an exciting step… but it’s also a major life change. Your first days in Israel after you move here (no matter where from) will set the tone for your entire transition.

That said, here are some of the worst ways to handle those critical early days, so you can avoid them and start your new and exciting life in Israel – on the right foot.

1. Ignoring the Bureaucracy

DO NOT procrastinate on Israel’s essential paperwork to be a legal resident. Delaying registration as an Oleh Chadash (new immigrant), or opening a bank account, or signing up for national healthcare services (Kupat Holim).

Doing this will only lead to more stress down the line. Israel’s bureaucratic systems are exactly as you would expect – slow. And skipping these critically important tasks early on can result in missed benefits or delays in accessing vital services… And properly starting your successful moving to Israel experience.

2. Expecting Everything to Work Like It Does in America

A sure way to set yourself up for being angry and frustrated during your first few weeks (or months) in Israel frustration is by assuming systems, customer service, and daily life will function just like they do in the U.S.

Whether it’s becoming accustomed to the fact that most businesses close early on Fridays for Shabbat, or that others will try to cut in front of you whilst waiting in a line (β€œtor” in hebrew), expecting American norms in Israel will only lead to tremendous disappointment – trust me on this.

Adaptability is going to be key, and rigid, unrealistic expectations will make every small difference feel like ahuge hassle and a major inconvenience.

Stay flexible and get ready for a big change… Before you move to Israel.

3. Avoiding Learning Hebrew Completely… Don’t

It’s easy to lean on English during your first days and months after you move to Israel from America, especially since many Israelis speak it fluently.

However, relying just on speaking English and avoiding learning Hebrew (even the basic phrases) will create a long-term barrier to integration.

Taking small stepsβ€”like greeting neighbors with a cheerful β€œShalom” or learning the words for basic groceries will make a big difference. I suggest to watch YouTube videos to learn the basics and then sign up to a proper language course (β€œulpan” in Hebrew) as soon as you move here.

4. Neglecting to Budget Wisely

Here’s what’s coming towards you – The cost of living in Israel will be a huge shock, especially in major cities like Tel Aviv or Jerusalem.

Spending recklessly on unnecessary taxis, frequent restaurant meals, or splurging on imported products will drain your bank account fast.

Adjusting to local prices and budgeting carefully from the start will help make sure you don’t begin your new life with a ton of financial stress. I suggest when moving to Israel from America – relocate yourself slightly out of the big city centers if you want to get ahead and are living on a budget.

5. Isolating Yourself

It’s super-easy to retreat into your comfort zone when everything feels unfamiliar, but don’t do it.

As a life / career coach in Tel Aviv, Israel – this is one of the mistakes I see the most… Self-isolation.

Avoiding social interactions with neighbors or locals, will leave you feeling lonely and will not help you acclimate to your new life in Israel.

Building connections early is crucial for emotional support, getting advice, and feeling at home. There are plenty of groups and communities, especially for English speakers, that will help you start this process. So, check them out right away.

In Conclusion…

Your first days, and weeks, and months in Israel will be hectic for sure! But now you know what to do.

Long story short, focus on balancing yourΒ  practical responsibilities with an open mind and a extreme willingness to adapt. By doing so you’ll set yourself up for a much, much smoother transition – and a fantastic start to your new adventure.

You see, I still remember the day I arrived in Israel…

I had NO JOB, NO FRIENDS, and NO MONEY.

And it took me years of living in Israel before I found a decent-paying job at a tech company.

I dont want this for you.

Anyways, I was working for this company, and was promoted to a leadership / management position when I had a powerful self-realization:

I looked back into my past and understood that I was always asked to be a leader + trainer + teacher… and I absolutely loved doing it!

And I understood:

The purpose of my life… is helping other people get what they want from their life.Β 

So, with my 15+ years of experience in the field of management, leadership, sales, and customer service I decided to open a consulting company.

I want to to help people get where they want to go.

I never thought that I would open my ownΒ businessΒ in Israel… but I did!

Then, I began to use all of my spare time before work and after work creating trainingΒ materials, and trying to acquire clients.

In addition, I was sending emails and cold calling companies inΒ Tel Aviv, Herzliya,Β Ramat Gan,Β Jerusalem, Bat Yam, and Holon.

Basically, I was reaching out across the whole country of Israel in my efforts.

Great news – I was able to find my first few clients!Β 

Something IΒ immediatelyΒ noticed was at the conclusion of my sales training workshops, two things would happen consistently happen:Β 

Firstly, I would receive feedback that my sales training workshops were providingΒ massive value for the sales team.

Secondly, one or two of theΒ studentsΒ in the courses would privately approach me.

These students would speak with me about their struggles not only in sales, but also in their private lives.

Then one time, a female student offered to pay me for aΒ one-on-one session outside of the office.

She asked me to help her learn how toΒ communicateΒ more effectively, and to help her figure out a better career path.

Another student, approached me and offered to pay me for my time to help prepare him for aΒ jobΒ interview.

Similarly, another student from another workshop, at anotherΒ company, asked me to help them build their self-confidence.

And this would happen again and again and again…

Each of these wonderful people I began to work one-on-one with, Β had their ownΒ unique challenge, and asked me for help.

Each time we developed a plan, strategized, and executed.

These first clients would call me their β€œLife Coach” or β€œCareer Counselorβ€œ, and I am proud to say that I was able to help them.

At the conclusion of our one-on-one sessions, they each had taken took massiveΒ steps forward towards the results they wanted!

Eventually, enough people called me their Career CounselorΒ orΒ Life CoachΒ that I began to call myself a β€œCareer Counselor” and ”Life Coach”.

Most people set out to become a trained and certifiedΒ life coachΒ (קואצ’ר ,Β ΧΧ™ΧžΧ•ΧŸ אישי) orΒ career counselor before ever having a client… that is not my story.

This interesting and fulfilling profession came to me!

And that is the (very) short story of how I began life coachingΒ (Χͺל אביב קואצ’ינג ΧœΧ—Χ™Χ™Χ) andΒ career counseling in Tel Aviv, Israel all those years ago.

And after all these years, I’m happy to say I have helped hundreds and hundreds of people from around the world achieve their goals!

Let’s schedule a time for us to speak…

And here is a list of articles (below) that will definitely help you if you are planning to move to Israel!

Here is a list of articles (below) about what it is actually, really like living in Israel!

Here is a list (below) of articles on How to Find a Job in Israel that I know will really, really help you!

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