‘ Wonderful personality and language ability enabled him to navigate every location with ease. He was effective in regard to problem-solving and very diplomatic. I would say he was one of our favorite trip leaders. Certainly enjoyed just being around him. Because of him, our group was cohesive and well managed. ’

‘ We loved Koen. For a Belgian living in Brazil and being a Program Director through Germany, we thought his historical knowledge was excellent. My husband is a history nut and Koen was able to answer all his questions. Koen is definetly a leader who was always available to assist in any way needed. He is very perceptive and senses when people may be holding back. Koen has a great sense of huor and while he may seem a little crazy, he is really a fun person and made all our walking tours enjoyable. We liked Koen so much as a Program Director that we are seriously considering a new OAT trip through Brazil, Argentina and Chile that he is leading starting in November. ’

‘ Koen was our "coach" and we were his atentive "team"! What an excellent ambasador for Brazil, OAT and our natural world. Koen found countless opportunities to introduce us to the local residents, converse with them, tell us, about their individual lives, jobs, education, etc. and translate for us from Portuguese, personal stories they shared. He was a great problem solver, atentive and pro-active.’