Best upGrad Study Abroad Podcasts (2025)

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Keep or Cut the Amex Platinum? What New Perks Mean for Frequent Travelers 33:39

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2d ago33:39

33:39

The Platinum Card® from American Express announced that its annual fee just went up. Learn how to decide if the new credits, perks, and lounge access are worth it. Is the Amex Platinum worth its higher annual fee? How do you maximize new statement credits without lifestyle creep? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle discuss the Amex Platinum’s updat…

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How One Family Flew Business Class to Europe on Points — and Stayed in Style 29:24

10d ago29:24

29:24

Learn how an entire family traveled to Europe on points, including business class flights, boutique stays, and mountain escapes. How do you book business-class flights to Europe for a family of four using points? How do you cover hotels and vacation rentals with rewards while meeting Europe’s room occupancy rules? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyl…

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Cash or Miles? The 2025 Points Valuations That Could Change How You Travel 42:36

18d ago42:36

42:36

Get fresh NerdWallet data on what your points and miles are really worth in 2025 — and why the answer might change how you book travel. Should you take a $650 flight voucher or 32,500 miles? How much are your points and miles actually worth? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle break down the latest NerdWallet valuations to help you make smarter red…

1
Airport Lounge Access, Family Award Travel, and Cruise Savings: Your Questions Answered 28:49

25d ago28:49

28:49

Learn how to get into airport lounges, stretch rewards for family travel, and score the best cruise deals from New York. How can you get into airport lounges if you don’t have elite status? What’s the cheapest way to book a cruise from New York? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle dig into your questions about airport lounges, family travel, cruise…

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How to Pay for Study Abroad and Save Overseas (Plus: Alaska Airlines’ New Rewards Program and Premium Travel Card) 32:34

1M ago32:34

32:34

Budget smarter for study abroad and learn how to cover costs with scholarships, aid, and credit cards. Plus: get the inside scoop on Alaska Airlines’ new premium airline credit card. Can you save money by studying abroad? What scholarships and financial aid can actually cover international programs? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle discuss the c…

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Pack Smarter, Spend Less: How to Travel Light Without Losing Comfort 26:04

1M ago26:04

26:04

Learn how to pack smarter and lighter with actionable tips to save money, avoid fees, and travel stress-free. What travel gear can you stop packing to cut costs? How much money can you save by packing your luggage the right way? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle discuss smart packing tips that could have a real impact on your travel spending. But…

1
Lost Bag Bailout: How Travel Insurance and Credit Cards Can Save You Thousands 35:16

2M ago35:16

35:16

Handle lost luggage like a pro with tips for getting reimbursed and packing smarter to avoid future headaches. What should you do when your luggage disappears on an international trip? Which credit cards and travel insurance policies actually help when this happens? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle discuss Meghan’s real-life saga of lost luggage…

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Your Travel Credit Card Questions Answered: What to Keep, What to Add, and When to Redeem 34:10

2M ago34:10

34:10

Optimize your travel rewards strategy with the latest card and perk updates, smart downgrade-and-reapply moves, and tips for combining and redeeming points for maximum value. Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle answer listener questions to help you travel smarter. But first, they share a ton of recent credit card news, including Citi launching a pr…

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New Consumer Protections Could Save You Hundreds on Your Next Flight 33:57

2M ago33:57

33:57

Learn how new consumer protections can help you get refunds, rebook faster, and stress less when you fly. What protections do you have if your flight is delayed, canceled, or your bag goes missing? How do you know if your airline will rebook you or leave you stranded? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle dive into a new report revealing which airlin…

1
Italy Beyond the Tourist Map: How to Get Around, Spend Less, and Explore Like a Local 34:52

2M ago34:52

34:52

Plan smarter for your next trip to Italy with cost-saving tips and strategies to avoid common tourist traps. When is the best time to visit Italy? How can you avoid overspending while still having an unforgettable experience? Hosts Megan Coyle and Sally French break down the logistics and hidden costs of traveling to Italy, from airfare and lodging…

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Het Goes West 20:44

2M ago20:44

20:44

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 ab…

1
How to Travel the World on $75 a Day: What Savvy Travelers Do Differently to Make Every Dollar Count 31:24

2M ago31:24

31:24

Stretch your travel budget with smarter planning, real savings hacks, and $75-a-day global travel strategies. Can you really see the world for just $75 a day? Can you cut travel costs without sacrificing comfort or experience? Meghan Coyle and Sally French discuss planning a trip for less than $75 per day with Matt Kepnes, aka Nomadic Matt. But fir…

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Frame by Frame with Nishchay 35:20

2M ago35:20

35:20

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. throu…

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Pawsitivity, Passion & Aditi’s USA Dreams 22:28

2M ago22:28

22:28

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 m…

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What AI Can’t Book: How Travel Advisors Deliver VIP Perks at No Extra Cost 33:00

3M ago33:00

33:00

Learn what it’s like working with a travel advisor, including how much time and money they can really save you when planning your next trip. Can travel advisors really save you money? Should you be booking travel yourself or outsourcing the job to a professional? Hosts Megan Coyle and Sally French discuss the unexpected perks, cost structures, and …

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Sanat's German Chapter 39:56

3M ago39:56

39:56

From a small town in Karnataka to the heart of Berlin, Sanat's story isn’t just inspiring—it’s a testament to how the right mindset can transform ambition into achievement. His journey is the perfect study abroad story—where determination, discipline, and dreams come together. While juggling a full-time job and pursuing a Data Science degree, Sanat…

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Manjot's Takeoff 27:58

3M ago27:58

27:58

What happens when a girl from Hoshiarpur dares to dream global? She rewrites the script — and takes us all along for the ride. 🌍✨In this new episode of The Lighthouse, meet Manjot Kaur — a brave learner who turned questions like “log kya kahenge?” into “look what she did!” 💥🎙️ From pind to personal growth, online classes to pre-departure prep, Manj…

1
Bowled Out by Life, but Still Scoring Big 20:09

3M ago20:09

20:09

In this episode, we meet Nirbhay, a young man who once dreamed of being on the cricket pitch but found himself on a different path — one led by academics, self-discovery, and purpose. His journey is anything but ordinary.Joining him is his twin brother - Rahul Pal, who’s now walking the cricketing path Nirbhay once dreamed of — with the right guida…

1
Summer Travel Deals: Where Prices Are Dropping and How to Book Luxury for Less 34:51

3M ago34:51

34:51

Score travel deals, discover hotel savings, and learn how to maximize your budget without missing out this summer. How can you travel this summer without overspending? Where should you book to get the most value from your hotel stay? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle discuss the state of summer travel and how shifting prices are impacting vacatio…

1
Big Changes to a Top Travel Card — Is It Still Worth It or Is There a Better Fit for You? 31:57

3M ago31:57

31:57

Learn about major changes to the Chase Sapphire Reserve — and how to decide if another premium card is a better fit. Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve still worth it after its major 2025 refresh? What do travelers lose — and gain — with the new credit card benefits? Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French break down this week’s sweeping changes to the Chas…

1
Making Group Travel Work: Planning Trips for Different Budgets, Ages, and Interests 32:07

3M ago32:07

32:07

How to plan a multi-generational trip without breaking the bank — or your relationships — and make it truly memorable. How do you plan a budget-friendly vacation for multiple generations of family? And how do you keep everyone — from toddlers to grandparents — happy without overspending or over-planning? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle explain …

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Is Epic Universe the Future of Theme Parks? Here’s How to Save When You Go 34:53

4M ago34:53

34:53

Learn what’s worth it (and what to skip) at Universal’s new theme park Epic Universe, with money-saving tips and sneak peeks of top rides. Is Epic Universe worth the higher ticket price compared to Universal’s other parks? How can you save money on theme park food, drinks, and add-ons without sacrificing fun? Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French dis…

1
How to Plan an Itinerary That Saves Money, Avoids Crowds, and Unlocks Hidden Gems 30:40

4M ago30:40

30:40

Learn how to plan travel itineraries that save you money, skip tourist traps, and make the most of your points. How can you plan a travel itinerary that saves money without missing out? What travel credit cards are worth it if you don’t want to pay an annual fee? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle talk about how to plan a smart, budget-conscious t…

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Disney Done Right: When to Go, What to Skip, and How to Save at Disney Parks 27:57

4M ago27:57

27:57

Get the most out of your next Disney trip with tips for saving on tickets, spending less time in lines, and finding legitimate discounts. When is the cheapest time to go to Disney parks? How can you save money and avoid long lines once you're there? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle talk all things Disney, including when to go, how to find legit …

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The Benefits of Award Search Tools and When They’re Worth Paying For 33:19

4M ago33:19

33:19

Learn how to use award search tools, when it’s worth it to pay for one, and how to use alerts and filters to save time and get better redemptions. What are the best tools to find award flight availability using points or miles? Is it worth paying for premium travel tools to simplify the booking process? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle discuss t…

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Insider Strategies for First-Class Cruise Perks Without the Premium Price 32:28

5M ago32:28

32:28

Is a cruise actually cheaper than a land vacation? Learn how to sail smarter and save big on your next getaway. Are cruises really a budget-friendly alternative to land vacations? What’s the best credit card to use for travel and Costco expenses? Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French discuss cruise travel, pricing strategies, and credit card hacks to…

1
Where 100,000 Points Can Take You: First Class Seats, Five-Star Suites and VIP Upgrades 30:11

5M ago30:11

30:11

Explore your options for spending 100,000 credit card points, with tips on redemptions for luxury flights, hotels, and hidden travel perks. What are the best ways to use 100,000 credit card points for travel? How do you transfer points to airlines or hotels to get the most value? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle discuss top redemptions across Ch…

1
When and How to Transfer Credit Card Rewards Points To Get The Most Value 30:05

5M ago30:05

30:05

Learn when it’s worth transferring credit card points — and how to avoid costly mistakes that waste your rewards. When should you transfer your credit card points to an airline or hotel loyalty program? What are your options if you no longer want to pay the annual fee on a travel card you’ve held for years? Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French discu…

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Room Blocks, Rental Cars, and a Plus-One: Smarter Wedding Travel for Savvy Guests 25:13

5M ago25:13

25:13

Learn strategic ways to save on wedding travel — whether you're planning the big day or flying in to celebrate someone else's. How can you avoid overspending on wedding travel without sacrificing comfort or memorable experiences? How do you continue earning meaningful travel rewards after you've maxed out your credit card welcome bonuses? Host Megh…

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The New Rules of Travel Rewards: Spend More or Lose Out 32:26

5M ago32:26

32:26

Learn why flight delays are getting worse and what airline miles are really worth (hint: it’s not what you think). Why are flight cancellations and delays happening more often? Are airline miles and credit card travel rewards actually worth it? Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French discuss the latest trends in travel spending and how the airline indu…

1
How to Plan Smarter and Save More on Summer Travel 28:30

6M ago28:30

28:30

Learn how to get the most out of your summer travel including when to book your flights and how to stack rewards. When is the cheapest time to book flights for summer travel? How can you stack rewards points to level up your trips? Meghan Coyle and Sally French take a deep dive into the strategies you can use to optimize your travel budget this sum…

1
Secrets to Finding Cheap Flights and Avoiding Fees, Straight from Scott’s Cheap Flights 36:34

6M ago36:34

36:34

Learn when to book flights, how to spot mistake fares, and ways to use lesser-known tips like booking stopovers and tapping into rideshare rewards. When is the best time to book a cheap flight? Do budget airlines actually save you money after all the fees? Scott Keyes, founder of Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights), joins Smart Travel to talk ab…

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How to Visit National Parks for Free, Avoid Crowds, and Save on Lodging 34:52

6M ago34:52

34:52

Learn how to visit national parks on a budget, including tips on free entry days and cheap lodging. Plus, the latest key travel rewards updates. When can you visit national parks for free, and what are the best ways to cut costs on park trips? Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French break down national park budget tips to help you plan an affordable ad…

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Best Travel Credit Cards, Southwest Policy Changes, and Disneyland Deals 30:43

6M ago30:43

30:43

Learn which travel credit cards might be best for you, plus news about major policy changes at Southwest. Which travel credit card is the best travel credit card? Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French try to answer that question by picking their favorites, fantasy sports draft style. But first, they discuss the latest travel news, including Southwest…

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How to Get Elite Travel Perks Without Traveling Every Week or Overpaying 28:23

7M ago28:23

28:23

Learn when elite status is worth it, plus how to earn attractive airline and hotel perks even if you don’t constantly travel. Is elite status ever worth chasing? Should you stick to one airline or just try to book the best deal? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle break down whether airline and hotel elite status is worth it, and how you can earn v…

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How to Budget for Trips: When to Book and How to Avoid Hidden Fees 29:58

7M ago29:58

29:58

Learn how to budget for travel, save on flights, and maximize credit card rewards for your next trip. How can you budget and save money for travel? How can you maximize credit card rewards and travel points to help lower trip costs? Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French discuss budgeting strategies and travel rewards to help you plan smarter for your…

1
Flight Canceled? How to Get a Refund, Rebook, or Even Travel for Free 34:25

7M ago34:25

34:25

Learn what to do if your flight is delayed or canceled, how to get compensated, and tips to avoid travel disruptions. What should you do if your flight is delayed or canceled? How can you get compensated for travel disruptions? Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French discuss how to handle unexpected flight changes and what you can do to maximize your c…

1
Avoid These 5 Costly Travel Mistakes to Save Time, Money, and Stress 21:20

7M ago21:20

21:20

From booking flights to getting through airport security, NerdWallet’s travel pros share five costly mistakes — and how to avoid them. Is TSA PreCheck or Global Entry worth the cost? How can you use travel credit card perks to save money on trips? Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French discuss five common travel mistakes and how to avoid them to help …

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Welcome to Smart Travel: Upgrade Your Getaways, from NerdWallet 1:20

8M ago1:20

1:20

Do you need a vacation from planning your vacation? Before you budget, learn how to get the most out of your travel dollars with Smart Travel, debuting Wednesday, February 12. NerdWallet’s trusted travel experts, Sally French and Meghan Coyle, are here to help your travel dollars work even harder. But the travel Nerds don’t just make recommendation…

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The Terrapin Tisch Story: Jewish breakthrough at the University of Maryland 17:12

9M ago17:12

17:12

Rabbi Adi Isaacs engages Nitzavim alum Izzy Barnstein in a lively conversation about a novel concept on campus - a unique student-led "tische", designed to connect more students with their Jewish heritage at the University of Maryland. This fast-moving discussion is flat-out inspiring! Hear - think - share!…

1
Shabbos Kestenbaum v Harvard University: An Exclusive Interview 22:38

1+ y ago22:38

22:38

Rabbi Adi Isaacs interviews a Jewish hero! How did a freshman Jewish student at Harvard find himself embroiled in a high-profile legal battle with one of the nation's most prestigious Ivy League schools? Armed with a strong sense of identity and core values, Shabbos Kestenbaum speaks out against the rampant antisemitism on campus and why this shoul…

1
Nitzavim Creates Gen Z Jewish Advocates on Campus 6:26

1+ y ago6:26

6:26

Nitzavim director Netanya Greiff joins radio host Gavriel Sanders to describe a unique gap year program in Israel that is equipping Jewish gap year students to become effective advocates for Israel and Jewish values on campus.By Thrive

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Jewish Life Gets An Upgrade at the Hebrew University 8:40

1+ y ago8:40

8:40

Beyond the academic track, a young couple is enriching Jewish spiritual and cultural life at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. Kip Glickman describes to radio host Gavriel Sanders how Jewish students from abroad are getting an unforgettable upgrade in their semester and year-abroad programs.By Thrive

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Why Join The "I Pledge For Israel" Movement?: Rabbi Isaacs explains on NY Radio Show 12:34

1+ y ago12:34

12:34

Rabbi Adi Isaacs appears on the Gavriel Sanders Show in NY to reveal the uniqueness of a semester abroad in Israel and, in light of explosive anti-Semitism on campus, invites thousands of North American college students to join the pledge movement to study abroad in Israel.By Thrive

1
Israel's Orthodox Female Marathon Champion Mobiles Help for Soldiers' Families 9:31

1+ y ago9:31

9:31

In this podcast, Rabbi Adi Isaacs interviews Beatie Deutsch, an Israeli sports phenom. She won the Israel National Marathon, was featured in an Adidas ad, and is training now for the Paris 2024 Olympics. But she's been running another kind of marathon - mobilizing help to provide weekly food and encouragement to scores of wives and children of IDF …

1
One Guy - One Guitar - 200+ People Impacted in Israel 6:04

2y ago6:04

6:04

Rabbi Adi Isaacs speaks with Nitzavim Fellows graduate Binyomin Eidlisz about his creative response to the war using social media and his guitar. In a word, it's amazing what one person can do with an inspired idea! Click - hear - share!By Thrive

1
Thrive Former IDF Tank Driver Mobilizes Massive Action for Soldiers 6:42

2y ago6:42

6:42

Rabbi Isaacs interviews staff member R' Kip Glickman who, with his wife Shayna, provides amazing Jewish food and programming for Thrive students at the Hebrew University. During the current war effort, Kip taps into his military skills and contacts to make an extraordinary difference for thousands of soldiers. Must hear - must share!…

1
The Power of One: Batya Goldberg's Bold Effort to Help IDF Soldiers 7:22

2y ago7:22

7:22

It's uncanny how tough times can bring out the best in some people. Rabbi Isaacs speaks with Thrive alumna Everyday Hero Batya Goldberg about her inspired response to the current war effort. Hear it - share it!By Thrive

1
Rabbi Adi Isaacs: Your Daily Response to the Gaza War - a must hear! 3:35

2y ago3:35

3:35

The current crisis in Israel is overwhelming and it’s affected Thrive students directly. Rabbi Adi Isaacs suggests something simple, yet meaningful we all can do to support Thrive alumni in the IDF.By Thrive

1
Professional Pivoting and Moving to Israel with Charlie Friedman 26:10

2y ago26:10

26:10

Charlie Freidman studied law at Penn University but is now an Investment banker ar goldman sachs and living in Tel Aviv, Israel. In this episode, Charlie shares his journey and challenges in moving to Israel and pivoting his career trajectory. After high school, Charlie spent two years in Israel studying at a Yeshiva, which sparked his interest in …

UpGrad Study Abroad Podcasts