This study aims to explore the culture shock experiences and adaptation strategies of Indonesian students as the awardees of Indonesian International Student Mobility Awards (IISMA) during a one-semester program in Hungary. Utilizing a qualitative phenomenological approach, this research uses the U-Curve Theory and Young Yun Kim’s Theory of Cultural Adaptation as theoretical base. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with five IISMA awardees studying at the University of Szeged, Hungary. The findings reveal that the participants experienced culture shock in two main areas: academic and socio-cultural life. Regarding adaptation strategies, two categories are found: pre-departure strategies and in-country strategies. Pre-departure strategies involved their preparations before leaving for Hungary, while in-country strategies included adjustments to the aforementioned culture shocks. Additionally, there are supporting and inhibiting factors that influenced informants on their adaptation process. Supporting factors included the presence of fellow Indonesian students, local community support, access to public facilities, and participation in cultural activities. Inhibiting factors included internal challenges such as personal limitations, as well as external challenges like language and accent barriers, difficulties in interacting with locals, and bureaucratic hurdles in public services.The informants reported personal development during their stay, including increased self-confidence, cultural awareness, and adaptability. They also believed that one semester was sufficient to adapt and live well within Hungarian culture as scholarship awardees. Keywords: Culture shock, cultural adaptation, Indonesian students, IISMA, Hungary, phenomenology.