The expectations and student satisfaction of mainland China Gen-Z students in an international branch campus

The rapid economic growth in China has transformed higher education expectations among Generation Z, particularly the post-90s cohort. To address these ever-changing demands, international branch campuses (IBCs) have emerged as collaborative ventures between Chinese and overseas higher education institutions, offering alternatives to traditional domestic universities. This study investigates the impact of cultural and pedagogical integration on student satisfaction at a Sino-USA IBC in China, utilizing a quantitative ex-post facto research design. Archived survey data from 312 Chinese students across the 2018 and 2019 cohorts were analyzed, providing a unique pre-COVID-19 benchmark for understanding student satisfaction prior to the disruptions caused by the pandemic. The study explored multiple dimensions of student satisfaction, including faculty engagement, teaching quality, learning environments, student services, campus facilities, and postgraduate preparedness. Findings revealed generally positive perceptions of academic services and campus infrastructure, alongside identified areas for improvement, particularly the perceived expertise and motivational capacity of faculty and the adequacy of postgraduate preparation. Cafeteria services and food quality were also noted as aspects requiring attention. Notably, student learning experiences and career development programs emerged as significant predictors of overall satisfaction. Moreover, students pursuing postgraduate studies abroad reported higher satisfaction levels than those remaining in China, underscoring the importance of international exposure in shaping positive educational experiences. These findings contribute to the literature on student satisfaction within IBC contexts, offering insights for both China-based universities and international institutions serving substantial Chinese student populations. By establishing a pre-pandemic reference point, the study highlights the need for tailored educational approaches that align with the specific expectations of Generation Z in China, facilitating future comparisons in the post-pandemic era.