What is CEESA?
 
 

CEESA is the Central and Eastern European Schools Association which was founded as a result of the growth of American and International Schools in Central and Eastern Europe. Member schools are able to compete with each other in both athletics and activities like music and drama. When participating with a CEESA sponsored athletic or activity, high school students are hosted by the families of the other school who have a child also competing in the same athletic or activity. When your student is hosted, they are able to experience other countries, cities, and culture in a safe family environment and often find lifelong friendships along the way.

Hosting & Housing

Penguin Host Program 

Any student accepting membership on an activities team at AAS must be aware of the hosting responsibilities that AAS accepts as members of CEESA, other associations, or as the event host for other special events. When AAS hosts a tournament or weekend event when an overnight stay is required, accommodation must be provided for the students visiting AAS. By accepting membership on an after school activity, the student and family also accepts responsibility for providing accommodation for visiting teams during the year through their membership of the Penguin Host Program.

The school appreciates that there are occasions when unusual circumstances or family situations exist that may prevent someone from upholding their commitment to this program. However, every attempt should be made by a participating student’s family to make suitable agreements with another AAS community member to fulfill the requirements of this important commitment.

 

Member Schools

Traveling FAQs

Successful travel as a member of a CEESA team and/or other school-sponsored event requires great preparation by all team members, coaches, chaperones and parents. Many questions arise when planning a trip and the information below will help you and your child plan and prepare for travel.

1. How much money should my child take on a school sponsored trip?

It is suggested that CEESA team members take an additional $15USD to $20USD (or equivalent) per travel day. This money will help cover the cost of souvenirs, entertainment not included in the trip cost, and snacks/beverages. When traveling on a school-sponsored event other than CEESA (ISTA, MUN, etc.), the amount of money suggested will depend on the type and location of the trip. This may include hotel stays and out-of-pocket expenses for meals and additional transportation.

2. Is it necessary or recommended for my child take electronic gadgets such as; iPad, iPod, mobile phone, gaming devices, etc.?

Electronic gadgets, including cellular phones, are the responsibility of the team member to whom it belongs. Coaches, chaperones, host families and other team members bear no responsibility for the loss or damage of such items. Accompanying chaperones will always have a phone available for emergencies.

3. Is my child allowed to meet his teammates and coaches at the airport on the day of departure?

All team members are required to leave from AAS Moscow on transportation provided by the school.

4. May I pick up my child at the airport upon arrival at the conclusion of the trip?

Team members may be picked up at the airport upon arrival by parents or designated caregiver. However, a written note, email or phone call to the coach and/or chaperone from the parent 24 hours prior to arrival is required by those who wish to pick up their children at the airport. If no contact has been made to the coach or chaperone upon arrival, the team member is required to return to school via transportation provided by the school.

5. Will parents and/or caregivers be contacted by a coach or chaperone for updates throughout the duration of the trip?

A coach or chaperone will send a daily update via email to all parents and/or caregivers throughout the duration of the trip. If for some reason the coach or chaperone is unable to send a daily update to the parent or caregiver, a note will be sent by the departmental director (Activities, Athletics or Aquatics). Please also note that many of our destinations are one to three hours behind Moscow time.

6. What currency should my child travel with?

Euros or US Dollars are the recommended monetary notes.

7. When and where will my child be able to exchange money to the local currency during the trip?

Coaches and/or chaperones will provide time to allow for money exchange at the airport or an alternate location (e.g. a mall) upon arrival.

8. Should my child bring a gift as an offering of thanks to the host family for their hospitality?

It is highly suggested that all traveling team members show a token of appreciation by offering a gift to their host families. Gifts can be representative of your own culture and/or Russian culture. A suggested amount for the gift is no more than $20USD (or equivalent). Gifts containing alcohol are not appropriate and are prohibited.

9. Should coaches and chaperone(s) be aware that my child is taking medicine and should the coaches or chaperone(s) hold the medicine and assist in administering the medicine at specific times during the trip?

Coaches, chaperones and host families should be aware of medicine that a team member is required to take while he or she is traveling. Please contact the Penguin Life departmental director (Activities, Athletics or Aquatics) and give the detailed instructions and any pertinent information that is needed in order to administer the medicine to the team member properly.

10. Who is responsible for my child’s passport while he or she is traveling?

Coaches and/or chaperones will take possession of passports and travel documents throughout the duration of the trip.

 

 

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