This study was conducted in the context of an intercultural exchange project of the University of the Visayas and Jissen Women’s University in Japan, primarily designed to enhance Japanese students’ English language skills. At the same time, the program aims to expose the Japanese and Filipino students to each other’s culture. This qualitative study aimed to explore the Japanese informants’ initial expectations of the program and their beliefs of Cebuano culture, as well as their actual experiences during their stay. Data used in the study were collected with the researcher as the main instrument. Students’ written essays and answers to interviews were used as the primary data in order to explore and delve deeper into the informants” intercultural experiences. Several themes emerged, manifesting that the participants’ goals and expectation initially leaned towards a purely educational perspective in which they wanted to enhance their English skills. However, most of their significant experiences were centered on having developed their confidence and connecting with the local students.