English Medium Instruction (EMI) is now integral to global higher education, extending to non-English-speaking nations like Indonesia. This study delves into student motivations and challenges in an EMI setting within an International Class Program (ICP) at Universitas Syiah Kuala. Utilizing a qualitative approach, nine undergraduate students from various majors in the International Business and Economic Program (IBEP) were interviewed. Findings reveal nuanced motivations, including a desire to enhance language proficiency, subject-specific skills, and experience in an international learning environment. Intrinsic motivations involve academic excellence, linguistic development, and personal interests, while extrinsic motivations relate to future career prospects and program benefits. Challenges encompass linguistic adaptation, academic transition, emotional resilience, bilingual navigation, class dynamics, lecturer language proficiency, academic challenges, cultural adaptation, and administrative intricacies. The findings underscore the need for targeted support within the ICP, including programs to support language learning, activities to help students adapt to different cultures, and better training for lecturer. By working on these challenges, the experience of studying in the ICP can be improved. This means that students can get the most out of their international education opportunities.