A Dream Delayed, but Not Forgotten
Elianna Kupferman’s journey to Israel was not a direct one. During her gap year at TVA, she envisioned moving to Israel, but the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic made the timing difficult. Instead, she returned to the U.S. and enrolled in NYU’s Rory Meyers School of Nursing, as she envisioned herself in the health profession ever since high school..
“It was a great experience at NYU, especially with JLIC there. But something didn’t feel quite right,” she shared. “I couldn’t picture myself there for four more years. I realized that if I wanted to dedicate myself to nursing, I might as well do it in the place I truly wanted to live—Israel.”
A Year of Transition
Elianna made her move in 2022 but knew she needed time to adjust before diving into an intense academic program. She needed to integrate herself into Israeli society, work on her Hebrew, get familiar with the medical system, and figure out how to study in Israel. To ease the transition, she joined Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel’s emergency medical service, gaining hands-on experience by wor
king on an ambulance daily and engaging with more Israelis. The balance of structure and free time in that first year helped her settle in without feeling overwhelmed.
Through MADA, she confirmed her passion for nursing. However, she faced a major hurdle: “I still wanted to be a nurse, but I didn’t know if I could manage the Hebrew needed for school.” At the time, there were no bilingual programs, so she made the bold choice to enroll in Ono Academic College’s Hebrew-language nursing program.
The Challenges and Rewards of Studying in Hebrew
Now in her second year, Elianna acknowledges that studying in Hebrew is no small feat. “Hebrew is hard as an oleh,” she admitted. “If you’re a new oleh, this program is challenging.” Interestingly, many of her Arab classmates face similar language struggles, creating an unexpected sense of camaraderie.
Despite the challenges, Ono’s small class sizes and supportive faculty have made a difference. “When I applied, I felt they really wanted me as a student. And even now, they call to check in sometimes,” she said. The program offers hands-on simulations with professional actors, creating realistic scenarios where students learn to communicate with patients. “It feels very professional. You watch people participate in the simulation, then you do it. It helps us gain important communication skills.”
Next semester, Elianna will start her clinical rotations—a milestone she’s eager to reach. “I’m excited for that next step,” she said.
Building a Life Beyond the Classroom
While academics are demanding, Elianna has found fulfillment in life outside of school. She settled in Herzliya when she made aliyah and decided to remain there, commuting to Ono when she began her studies a year later.
“JLIC in Herzliya has been a key part of my acclimation to life in Israel. It’s completely shaped my experience of living here. When I moved, I knew of people, but I wasn’t really friends with anyone specific. Now, I know I have a community I can rely on if I need anything.”
No Regrets, Only Confidence
Reflecting on her journey, Elianna has no doubt that she made the right choice. “I don’t regret that I went to NYU first,” she said. “It made me realize I wanted to be here. I haven’t looked back since I moved.”
Though the path to studying nursing in Israel has been filled with challenges, from language barriers to navigating a new education system, Elianna feels at home. “My life is more fulfilling here,” she said. “When I lived in New York, I felt like I was just in school. Here, I feel like I live here. This is home.”
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