What does it really take to pursue a global dream?

In episode 6 of The Lighthouse, we speak with Het, an Equity & Derivatives Trader turned upGrad student, as he prepares to begin his master’s journey at Drexel University.
Joining him is his biggest inspiration — his mother, Mrs. Bindu Malkan — who shares the emotional reality of sending her son abroad for the very first time.
✨ From career clarity to cultural courage, from hybrid learning to family support — this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating or supporting the study abroad journey.

🎧 Tune in to hear how uncertainty turned into opportunity, and a dream into reality.

From Delhi-NCR to Boston — and almost Canada in between — Nishchay Malik’s story is a masterclass in choosing purpose over predictability. In Episode 5 of The Lighthouse, Nishchay, a 20-year-old student at Northeastern University, opens up about his bold leap from comfort to challenge, from being “sorted” in India to starting over in the U.S. through upGrad’s Accelerated Pathway.

With the ambition of a storyteller, Nishchay shares what life’s really like as an international student: building friendships from scratch, finding creative freedom, handling visa hiccups, and learning that true growth starts when you step out of your bubble.

From sketching wireframes to perfecting mudras, Aditi Mehra’s journey is anything but ordinary. A UX designer and a trained Bharatanatyam dancer, she’s proof that you don’t have to choose between passion and profession.

In this episode of The Lighthouse, she opens up about her upcoming transition to Drexel University, the power of upGrad’s hybrid model, and how her dog Coco has been her unexpected company through it all.

If you're someone with more than one dream — this one’s for you.