And John Townley-Johnson, chief executive at Houses for Africa, a South Africa-based property development and finance company, travels from South Africa to the University of Chicago's London, Singapore or Chicago's campuses every six weeks.

WSJ: Traveling the Globe -- Just to Get to Class

In 2012 the Jersey Development Company released plans for an international finance centre on the site with work due to start in 2013.

BBC: Jersey minister 'breached contract' says developer

The States of Jersey Development Company wants to turn the 520 space Esplanade car park into a finance hub.

BBC: First phase of Jersey finance centre plan is approved

Lee Henry, from the Jersey Development Company, said it would take a decade to transform the 520 space car park into a finance hub.

BBC: Jersey International Finance Centre plan for Esplanade