The study will examine Xi Jing’s Chinese Dream that focuses on the rapid growth of Chinese society through expanding the middle class. Middle-class consumption includes investment in prestigious international education and growing interest in travel and tourism. This paper considers the influence of middle-class wealth on the selection of educational institutions and expectations of Chinese international students and their parents. Preliminary findings of semi-structured interviews with Chinese international students enrolled in Australian tourism and hospitality degrees will be presented. It will consider their expectations of attributes needed in the Chinese hospitality industry. Particular reference will be made to the influence of professional socialisation. It is envisaged that the research will contribute to university curriculum development, as well as provide recommendations for university–industry collaboration between Australia and China in relation to the hotel industry.