A Brother’s Struggle Became His Sister’s Strength: The Study Abroad Story Everyone Needs to Read.

London, December, 2025: Mumbai, the land of dreams, is a place where so many talented people believe anything is possible. Vinay Gor and Parthvi Gor grew up in the city and felt the same way. Both siblings had access to good schools, top universities and promising career paths. Their parents firmly believed in the power of education, especially their mother, a teacher who left no stone unturned when it came to inspiring her children with knowledge and discipline. She taught them early that learning could take them far in life. With a mother who lived and breathed teaching, they took their studies seriously. Education was a privilege that could shape their future, and every school project or late-night revision came with her gentle reminder: studying hard will take you further than you think.

Even with good schools and a steady routine, both siblings felt drawn to something bigger. They talked about studying in the USA but did not want to add financial pressure on their parents. What they wanted was exposure, independence and a chance to grow in a new environment. Prodigy Finance became the bridge that made that possible. Vinay’s loan was approved first, and when Parthvi applied later, hers was accepted too. Both received a no-cosigner, no-collateral loan, and that support turned a distant idea into an achievable plan.

Sonal Kapoor, Global Chief Business Officer at Prodigy Finance, says many students reach out for funding, and we are proud to support both siblings. “Vinay’s journey stays with us.” Everything Vinay learnt while finding his footing in a new country ended up smoothing the path for his sister. That is why we often ask students to connect with mentors, attend study-abroad sessions or join webinars. You gain insight, information and connections before heading abroad. Not everyone will be lucky enough to have a sibling overseas, but many can find genuine mentors who can guide them.

For Vinay, studying abroad was not part of the plan when he was younger. That changed halfway through his engineering degree, when he realised he wanted more than technical knowledge. He wanted to understand leadership, business and the decisions behind every project. Engineering Management offered that balance. After comparing universities, coursework and faculty, he chose Stevens Institute of Technology.

His timing was difficult. One semester after he arrived in the United States, COVID hit. Classes moved online, internships disappeared and he completed his entire master’s programme during the pandemic. With no work experience, he started from scratch. A small company called Hacera gave him his first chance as a Data Analyst Intern. That led to an opportunity with BMW and later a full-time role at Bank of New York Mellon as a Lead Analyst in capital, liquidity and market risk. After more than three years there, he made a major step forward and joined Bank of America as a Vice President in the same field, helping protect the bank from the kinds of financial risks that have caused crises in the past.

For Parthvi, the journey looked different. After completing her bachelor’s in Mass Media, she wanted something creative and future-focused. Digital media felt right. She spent months researching universities across Canada and the United States before Northeastern University stood out for its co-ops, tech reputation and STEM-designated master’s in Digital Media. She made her decision, and Vinay supported her completely. By the time she reached the USA, he was already settled there, and she often says that having him close made her move much easier. He helped her adjust to campus life, understand the job market and feel supported at every stage.

As an international student, especially in a STEM programme, she faced real challenges during her job search after graduation. She had only 90 days to find employment, which added a lot of pressure. It took her two months and four rounds of interviews before she finally received an offer from Hackensack Meridian Health as a Digital Application Specialist. Today she still works there, contributing to the organisation’s digital platforms, handling web content, mobile applications and UX/UI design. She often says the journey was tough, but every struggle was worth it.

In their recent conversation on the Prodigy Finance Podcast, both siblings shared that they are now happily employed and feel well supported by their teams in the US. They spoke openly about adjusting to life in America and how much they have grown along the way, offering encouragement to families back home navigating the visa uncertainty.

Both siblings now live in the same city, and their bond has only grown stronger. Their parents continue to be their greatest cheerleaders. Their father may have been surprised at first, but the pride he carries today is unmistakable. They often fly to Mumbai often, especially during festivals, to be with the people and the city that had shaped them. They are in the United States because their careers demand it, but their home will always be in the lanes and lights of Mumbai.