In a world where emigration has become a daily reality for thousands of people, having the right tools to not only survive but confidently adapt and thrive is essential. Today we spotlight an extraordinary woman — Iryna Bizhik, Director of the Concord Rusam school in New York City. She is the creator of a unique board game for immigrant nurses and the developer of the bilingual training methodology Adapt2RN. Her innovations go beyond traditional education — they are about belief, support, and the power of community.
Interview by Alyona Komisarchuk
Ms. Bizhik, nowadays educational innovation is often associated with technology: apps, platforms, artificial intelligence. But in your story, «innovation» has a very different dimension — humanity. How did the idea of creating a board game that models the journey of an immigrant nurse in the U.S. come about?
The idea came from real life. I work every day with women who have medical degrees and years of experience but feel lost in a new country. They struggle with language barriers, financial hardships, and a loss of professional identity.
I wanted to give them more than advice — I wanted to offer them a safe space to “live through” their journey toward success.
That’s how the board game idea was born. It’s not just entertainment — it’s a learning tool. Within a single evening, players experience all the typical stages: diploma evaluation, NCLEX-RN preparation, budgeting, and getting the first job. It’s a life simulator built with deep respect for the immigrant experience.
The game has already been called a “miniature version of the American medical journey”. What inspired its scenarios?
All the scenarios are based on real-life cases. At Concord Rusam, we have students from Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Lithuania, Armenia, Georgia, and Moldova. We conducted dozens of interviews, listened to their stories — their pain, fears, and dreams — and then built game mechanics step by step that reflect real stages of adaptation.
It’s not just a professional journey. We included psychological challenges as well: fear of speaking English, working multiple jobs, raising children in a new culture, fatigue, emotional burnout. The game trains players to manage resources, make hard decisions, and most importantly — not give up.
I was personally impressed by the financial component of the game. It’s deep and realistic. Tell us more about that.
Thank you — that’s one of the most crucial parts. Many of our students face financial stress: rent, kids, courses, exams, and unexpected expenses.
We built a realistic income-and-expense simulation into the game — players can take part-time jobs, receive scholarships, pay for documents, or delay certain decisions.
This skill is critical in real life. The game teaches: you can reach your goal, but every choice has consequences. Better to explore those choices in a game than face them unprepared in reality.
The game is just one piece of your contribution. Tell us about the Adapt2RN methodology. It’s already being called a revolution for non-native English speakers.
I went through the adaptation process myself. I know what it’s like to know the material but not have the words. Or to fear making a mistake in front of a patient. That’s why I created the bilingual NCLEX-RN preparation system.
Adapt2RN is more than a course — it’s a support system.
We use:
- Translations of key terms
- Subtitled video lessons
- Interactive exercises
- Quizlet flashcards
All materials are available in English, Ukrainian, and Russian. Most importantly, we respect each student’s level. We don’t force memorization — we teach through understanding, association, and real-life scenarios. And the results speak for themselves — hundreds of our students have obtained licenses and now work in the U.S.
What do Ukrainian students mean to you personally?
They are my pride. Ukrainian women are incredible — highly educated, driven, quick to learn. But they often lack support.
I want them to know: they are welcome here. Their education is valuable. Their hands are golden.
My advice: don’t be afraid. Start with diploma evaluation. Embrace your accent — it’s part of your story. Take one step at a time. Concord Rusam is always here — as an educational center and a place of strength.
Do you plan to expand the project?
Absolutely. We’re already developing an online version of the board game, making it accessible to nurses and healthcare professionals across the U.S. and beyond.
We’re also creating adapted versions for other medical professions — doctors, paramedics, clinical medical assistants, phlebotomy technicians, sterilization specialists, and even social workers.
We’re planning a mobile app and interactive platform with training modules, video lessons, financial simulators, and community support. It won’t just be a game — it’ll be a complete adaptation system that combines education, motivation, and practice.
If you could sum up your mission in one sentence, what would it be?
My mission is to be the quiet but confident voice of support for every immigrant who arrives in a new country with a suitcase full of hope — but no clear plan. I help people find their way into the U.S. healthcare system — whether they already have a nursing or medical degree or are just dreaming of a future in medicine.
Every day I see fear and confusion — but also strength, drive, and sacrifice. I transform the chaos of immigration into a structured pathway — with steps, choices, and guidance.
I don’t just create courses or games — I create a safe space where people can believe in themselves again and move forward, with purpose and support. Because real education is not only about knowledge — it’s about faith. And that’s what I try to give every person who walks through the doors of Concord Rusam.
Thank you for those powerful words. They resonate deeply with me. Every bridge I try to build is the result of people who didn’t give up — even when everything around them said they should. I just walk beside them, holding a light when it gets dark. If even one person feels hope from this game, this method, or this conversation — then my work has meaning. That is my greatest reward.
Thank you. The eyes of our students — that’s my inspiration. They hold so much pain, strength, and hope. And when those eyes fill with tears of joy after earning a license — I know exactly why I do this.
This is more than a job — it’s a calling. And I know: this is only the beginning. There are many more stories to live through, many hearts that need help believing in themselves. And I am ready to walk alongside them.
If you’re a healthcare worker from another country and want to work in the U.S., contact Concord Rusam. You won’t just gain knowledge — you’ll gain a community, support, and the chance to thrive in a new land.
