Culture shock is often encountered when visiting a different country, just like students participating in the International Credit Transfer program who face the challenge of culture shock when running the program in the Philippines. For this reason, self-adjustment efforts are needed in adapting and communicating effectively. This study aims to determine the effect of culture shock experienced by students on their academic life while attending classes in the Philippines. Data were collected using descriptive qualitative methods with a phenomenological approach, which includes observation and interviews. The participant selection method used was convenience sampling. Observation and interview data were analyzed using Miles and Hubermans’ analysis model. The results showed that students who participated in the student exchange program in the Philippines experienced culture shock. The findings of this study indicate that the causes of culture shock in students participating in student exchange programs in the Philippines are classified as internal and external factors. The impact of culture shock on students of the student exchange program in the Philippines has been in the final stage of culture shock and successfully passed the previous three stages as evidenced by the cultural adaptation actions taken by students of the International Credit Transfer program in the Philippines.