Martin Kley, Ph.D.
Resident Director m.kley@uni-heidelberg.de mkley@heidelberg.eduMartin Kley studied at the universities of Augsburg (BA), Pittsburgh (MA) and Texas at Austin (PhD). After his studies, he worked as an Assistant Professor of German at Gettysburg College. Upon his return to Germany, he started working in international education as Academic Director and later Director of CIEE's Global Institute Berlin before joining AJY in 2020.
Cara Meysen
Assistant Director of Student Life Cara Meysen is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Geography at the University of Heidelberg. With research interests focused on the United States and social and cultural geography, she has prior experience studying abroad in Wisconsin and Maryland. As Program Coordinator, Cara assists the Resident Director in supporting students beyond academics, sharing her knowledge of Heidelberg and the opportunities the city offers. She also manages alumni relations and AJY's social media presence.
Michaela Escher-Eisel
Adjunct Faculty Having studied German language and literature, and European Art History, Michaela Escher-Eisel received her Magister Artium degree from the University of Heidelberg and teaches German as a second language at a variety of institutions. She helps students prepare for language level placement tests, such as the DSH assessment here at AJY. As a trained guide, with a certificate from the German Association of Tour Guides, she also leads educational excursions in and around Heidelberg.
Verena Zimmer
Adjunct Faculty
Verena Zimmer teaches German Language and History at AJY and the Uni Heidelberg’s International Study Center (ISZ). She holds a Master’s degree in Germanistik and History (University of Trier), has worked in journalism, and is also a certified Heidelberg tour guide, allowing her to bring her courses to life through regular (and excellent) co-curricular excursions. Her motto: “Da ist mehr als du siehst!”
Julia Pinkow
Program Assistant
Julia Pinkow started as the AJY Program Assistant in February of 2022 and has since become an invaluable member of the team. She is pursuing her B.A. in Geography and English with the goal of teaching these subjects in High School. In her role as Program Assistant, Julia helps students get to know Heidelberg and university life, plans and participates in excursions and events at the AJY Study Center, and assists Martin and Cara in running the Center.
Tom Drechsler
Program Assistant
Before joining the AJY Team as Program Assistant in March of 2023, Tom was an AJY tandem partner for two semesters. He is currently pursuing his Bachelor’s degree in English and Musicology at the University of Heidelberg, with his primary interests including literature and culture, specifically regarding the US. As Program Assistant, Tom helps the AJY students get settled in their life in Heidelberg, be it during orientation week or on excursions. He also oversees & plans the tandem partner program with the German students and helps Cara with managing AJY’s social media.
Darlene Rieth
Program Assistant
Darlene is an English Studies major and German Studies minor at the University of Heidelberg. She started at the AJY Program in 2022, right after returning from studying at Heidelberg University, Tiffin, Ohio for two semesters. At Heidelberg University, Darlene worked as a teaching assistant for German 101/102, was elected vice president for the German club and organized the “Stammtisch”, a weekly event for students interested in the German language and culture. Her tasks at Heidelberg University prepared her for her work as program Assistant at AJY where she makes sure that the students feel at home in Heidelberg, supports them with the struggles of studying abroad, accompanies them on excursions and takes over some organizational tasks.
Pepe & Chewbacca
AJY Security Guards As AJY's only bouncers, Pepe and Chewbacca (Chewie) are tasked with the safety of both the Study Center and the wellbeing of AJY students. As Senior Branch Manager, Pepe has been on staff since 2020 and has been training his new recruit Chewie since 2022.
Meet the AJY Team
