International branch campuses: the influences of country of origin and campus environment on students’ institution choices and satisfaction

Based on the first ratings of international branch campuses (IBCs) by Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), which are further supported by findings in the literature, we investigated students’ institution choices and satisfaction focusing on country of origin and campus environment as possible key influences. The study adopts an inductive qualitative research design involving semi-structured interviews with 53 IBC students in Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). We found that an IBC’s country of origin influences both students’ institution choices and students’ overall satisfaction with their institution. Although we also found that campus servicescape and facilities impact upon students’ institution choices and satisfaction, these were secondary when compared to education-related factors. We conclude that while a favourable campus servicescape may contribute less to overall student satisfaction compared to other factors, a campus environment with poor or inadequate facilities and equipment may result in student dissatisfaction.