Students can escape the necessity of learning a second language when studying in their own country. Courses in one's native language are much easier to learn and succeed at. Learning a second language offers a valuable experience, however, and one that many regret later in life for not having pursued. At the same time, students can still enroll in language classes in their own country to attain a working knowledge of a language.
Costs at universities and colleges around the world vary. Some countries heavily subsidize tuition for residents, but charge full price for foreign students. If a student's parents possess citizenship in a foreign country, students may be able to look into receiving tuition at the standard price. In their own country, students pay standard tuition costs. They may also have more scholarship opportunities. When studying in one's country, students do not have to pay for flights home on holidays.
Studying in a foreign country may offer exchange students a wonderful social experience, but it may not be the best choice for the shy or intimidated. When studying at home, students do not have to risk losing touch with friends and family. Colleges offer many clubs, sports teams and social events to help students meet new people. However, students will not have the experience of interacting in the society of another country.
Students who study in their own country do not have to deal with culture shock, when a person feels lost and disoriented in a foreign culture. Students studying in their own country do not have to deal with this added stress to their studies. At the same time, immersion in a foreign culture helps broaden one's horizons, as a person experiences a new language, new customs, new food and a new landscape.