Unlocking New Perspectives through Overseas Exchanges featuring JP Garry
JP Garry’s exchange at Oxford’s Saïd Business School
The UCLA-NUS Executive MBA offers global learning opportunities, including short exchanges in Asia, the US, and Europe. These week-long programs are hosted by partner schools and feature region-specific electives, providing a unique international experience alongside the main segments in the US, Singapore, India, and China. In this blog, we sat down with JP Garry, our UCLA-NUS EMBA student to reflect on an eye-opening week at Oxford’s Saïd Business School, focusing on the real estate elective — why he chose it, what he learned, and why such exchanges matter.
Q: Why did you choose the Oxford | Real Estate elective, and why real estate in particular?
A: Business school is a perpetual learning and networking experience. While I mainly focus on innovation and strategy in technology, I wanted to try something that pushed me outside that zone. Real estate stood out because, as the world continues to urbanize and grow, space, housing, and the perception of place are becoming more critical—and there’s huge business potential, especially in developing nations. Professor Andrew Baum really emphasized the importance of space “vibes” (my American word for it). It’s not just buildings—it’s storytelling, perception, and value creation. With the push to get people back into offices, spaces now need to be appealing, experience-driven environments rather than plain cubicles. I’ve also studied abroad at Oxford before and always knew I’d come back. This trip let me do two things—dive into a topic I wanted to learn more about and revisit a place that shaped me early on. When I saw “Oxford | Real Estate | Prof. Andrew Baum,” it was a no-brainer.
Q: How was the experience—inside and outside the classroom?
A: We spent the week at Saïd Business School, deep diving into the mechanics, economics, strategy, and future of real estate. The structure was fast-paced and insightful, covering:
- How real estate pricing works and how it’s evolved
- Development cases like Bishopsgate, Kings Cross, and Ankara
- Global portfolios, including Japan’s GPIF (a $1.5T pension fund)
- AI in valuation, with a session from Leo Xiong—by far one of the most tangible examples of AI disruption I’ve seen
- PropTech and innovation—thinking about the future of property firms
- The value of place, with guest Ronen Journo from Hines
Out-of-class activities were just as memorable. Walking through Oxford’s centuries-old streets, grabbing drinks in the Club Room, and a formal dinner in the Pyramid Room gave us a great chance to network beyond our program. Of course, we also enjoyed legends like The Eagle and Child, where Tolkien and Lewis once debated, and the Turf Tavern, famous as the place Bill Clinton “didn’t inhale.” Oxford isn’t just about academics—it’s layered with stories, irreverence, and tradition. You feel it in every archway and late-night conversation.
Q: What are your key takeaways from this experience?
A:
- Real estate is a lens: It reflects how a country is doing, what it values, and how it sees the future.
- Perception matters: Real estate is part design, part finance, and part psychology. How we perceive space affects how we value it.
- Technology is coming fast: PropTech and AI will soon disrupt valuation, risk management, and the entire lifecycle.
- Place matters: Cities compete like companies, and stories—history, design, vision—add real value to assets that are otherwise intangible.
- Oxford’s teaching style: It’s intellectual, precise, and grounded. Professor Baum doesn’t waste time—you leave sharper.
Q: Why do these kinds of exchanges matter?
A: You break out of your echo chamber. It’s easy to get stuck in your industry or cohort, but a GNAM elective pushes you into a new academic environment, new peers, and a topic you might never have explored. That discomfort? That’s growth. And there’s something humbling about walking past cathedrals and colleges where Nobel laureates and world leaders once debated. It’s motivating and puts things into perspective.
Q: What advice do you have for prospective students considering these exchanges?
A: Pick one elective that challenges your worldview—not just one that adds to your resume. Real estate wasn’t obvious for me, but that’s exactly why it was worth it. And as for GNAM exchanges—go. They’re short, immersive, and high-yield. You’ll leave with more than notes—you’ll gain new peers, fresh perspectives, and plenty of great stories.
Closing:
JP’s experience at Oxford reinforced how important it is to pursue opportunities that push your boundaries. Whether it’s exploring a new industry or visiting historic campuses, these moments shape your mindset and open new doors.
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