Sundar Pichai: “My father saved a year’s salary to send me to America”: Sundar Pichai on the cost of success and a what it takes for parents who send their child abroad

“My father saved a year’s salary to send me to America”: Sundar Pichai on the cost of success and a what it takes for parents who send their child abroad

When people think of studying abroad, the picture of prestigious universities and exciting careers comes to mind. But behind the “American dream” what many parents don’t see are the sacrifices made long before the very dream becomes a reality. For millions of Indian parents, funding a child’s overseas education is one of the biggest financial decisions they will ever make. It often involves years of savings, education loans, selling assets, or postponing personal goals.One of the most practical takes on studying abroad comes from Google CEO Sundar Pichai.

“My father spent the equivalent of a year’s salary”

Speaking about his journey, Pichai once reflected on the enormous sacrifice his parents made to send him to the United States for higher studies. “”My father spent the equivalent of a year’s salary on my plane ticket to the US so I could attend Stanford. It was my first time ever on a plane.”Pichai’s honest statement resonates with the many parents of this country who wish to send their children to study abroad. “But when I eventually landed in California, things weren’t as I had imagined,” he says. According to him, reaching America wasn’t the end of the struggle- neither for him, nor for his family. “America was expensive. A phone call back home was more than two dollars a minute, and a backpack cost the same as my dad’s monthly salary in India.” Sundar Pichai credits his luck, his deep passion for technology and an open mind to reach where he stands today.Pichai’s story is inspiring, however it also offers practical lessons for Indian parents considering overseas education for their children.. Studying abroad is a journey that begins long before a child boards a flight. Every year, thousands of Indian students leave for higher education in countries such as the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, and Singapore. While every family’s circumstances are different, being aware and making practical preparations can make the transition smoother- for both children as well as parents.

Blueprint for parents who wish to send their child abroad

Being aware and making practical preparations can make the transition smoother

Financial preparations should be more than just the tuition fees

Tuition fees are usually the biggest expense, but planning for a few additional costs in advance can help avoid last-minute financial stress. For example, students will also need to budget for accommodation, groceries, local transport, health insurance (where required), study materials, and day-to-day essentials. There are also a few one-time costs at the beginning of the journey, including visa fees, airfare, accommodation deposits, and basic household items. The goal isn’t to prepare for every possible expense, but to have a realistic picture of what the first year abroad is likely to involve.

Let your child choose the course they genuinely enjoy

Long-term success often comes from pursuing something you truly enjoy, believes Pichai. As he puts it, “Take the time to find the thing that excites you more than anything else in the world. Not the thing your parents want you to do, or the thing that all your friends are doing, or that society expects of you.” Parents can certainly guide their children, but it is equally important to understand their interests, strengths, and career aspirations.

The most important thing for parents to do is to tell their child that they are above all the investments.

Research about the university beyond its rankings

Global ranking of the university is the foremost thing to check, however, as a parent, one needs to research beyond that. Parents should understand how well a university aligns with their child’s academic and career goals. From faculty expertise, graduate employment rates, support available for international students to exploring the city where the university is located can help make a lot more better decisions.

Have open conversations with your child

Parents having honest conversations with their children about their expectations and concerns is equally important for a transition as big as studying abroad. Discuss their reasons for studying abroad, their career goals, and what they hope to gain from the experience. When a child gets a space where they feel comfortable sharing their excitement and anxieties, they tend to thrive in other situations as well. Some children may feel burdened by the financial and emotional sacrifices their parents have made for them. This is why the most important thing for parents to do is to tell their child that they are above all the investments. In the moments of setbacks, this is something that will help them adapt confidently to the life in a new country.