Our Tour Directors

AESU is very proud of its Tour Directors.

They are young, multi-lingual and carefully selected from the major universities. Our tour directors know that this is a trip of a lifetime for you and you'll benefit from their knowledge about history as well as interesting little known facts, their warm sense of humor and genuine concern for your special needs and interests. You are in the best of hands. Meet some of them here....

Doris

Born in Vienna, Austria, majored in history at University of Vienna, studied history. Fluent in German, English, French, and Italian. Joined AESU in 2001.

Jamie

Jamie MacKay is a Canadian that has lived in Germany and Switzerland for 8 years.  After graduating from the University of British Columbia with a degree in Human Kinetics, Jamie moved to Europe where he traveled the world extensively as a professional indoor and beach volleyball player, as a traveler and as a tour director  Jamie has been with AESU as a tour director for 3 years and is fluent in German and conversational in French.  He is energetic, patient and very passionate about European culture, history and travel. 

Niki

Born in Vienna, majored in history at University of Vienna, studied political science and philosophy. Traveled to Latin America in 1997, developed interest in the culture of the region and helped found Konak, an association for research and culture in the Americas which cooperates with universities in Europe and Latin America for student excursions. Worked for public relations agency in Vienna which specialized in helping university professors present their work in an informative and entertaining way to the public. Became an AESU Tour Director in 1999 and began leading trips around Europe for groups of young travelers. Visited Latin America in 2002 and trained in the Afro-Brazilian martial art of Capoeira, published article in Austria about Capoeira and now leads excursions through Brazil which focus on Afro-Brazilian culture. Fluent in German, English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese.

Herbie

Born in Untertilliach, somewhere in the Alps, Herbie studied mechanical engineering in Austria, spent four years in Florida where he fulfilled a commemorative service at the Florida Holocaust Museum. Afterwards he majored in technology management at St. Petersburg College. Currently he is pursuing his Master in Finance. Certified as financial consultant in Europe he works in Austria, Bavaria and northern Italy. Herbie also teaches kids to play various musical instruments and sings in various choirs. Joined AESU in 2004 as a European tour director and enjoys touring with young professionals especially in the alpine area. Fluent in English, German and a very interesting Austrian dialect.