3e International School (3e), a dual-immersion Chinese bilingual school founded in 2005, has just joined Search Associates! 3e is located 5 km from the U.S. embassy in Beijing, near residential high-rise buildings, restaurants serving global cuisines, a mall with international brands, a movie theater, subway access, and several large parks. Though the surrounding area is urban and about 20 minutes from the center of the city by taxi, the school feels somewhat removed from the hustle and bustle of city life, as it is pleasantly situated next to a park at the end of a quiet street shared with the Japanese School of Beijing.
The school’s name, 3e, stands for “explore,” “experiment,” and “express,” which reveal much about the school’s values and mission. Principal Amy Loveday Hu describes the program for students ages 2-11:
"…we take a visionary approach to dual-immersion bilingual education. Here, young learners become fluent in Chinese and English in a nurturing school environment uniquely designed to develop children’s critical thinking and ability to move fluidly across cultures.
3e’s program reflects research-based best practice in language acquisition and early education. Our goal is to empower children to explore, experiment and express themselves in a context that is balanced appropriately between child-initiated and teacher-directed experiences. Social competence and an appreciation of other cultures are important components of our curriculum and instruction.”
While music, PE, and art are part of the curriculum, students may also join after-school activities, such as Fun and Fitness, Chorus, Ballet, English Story Time, Future Tech, Coding, Science, Fun French, Football, Creative Writing, and more!
3e currently holds candidate status with the Council of International Schools. At present, 220 pre-K–6 students of 23 nationalities are enrolled at 3e, 33% of whom are from China and 17% of whom are from North America and the U.K. A teaching staff of 35 includes 13 from North America and the U.K. as well as 18 from China.
3e is interested in hiring singles and couples—married, unmarried, or with a non-teaching spouse, for whom there are local opportunities. The school will also consider interns. Because of its small size, 3e can only hire a limited number of teachers with children, and they are very specific about candidate qualifications. In order to apply for a work visa in Beijing, teachers must have a BA from an English-speaking country and proof of a minimum of two years of relevant teaching experience. Candidates must possess either teaching certification or official letters from previous employers documenting two years of relevant experience. Currently the Beijing authorities indicate that approved countries are U.K., U.S., Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Canada, and South Africa. China issues work visas up to the age of 60.
Benefits include a tax-free salary, a one-time moving allowance, and housing that is within walking distance of the school. Teachers who opt to obtain their own housing receive a monthly allowance. Annual round-trip airfare and 100% tuition for one child is also provided. Worldwide health insurance (except in the U.S.) is fully covered, with dental added in the third contract year. School-wide professional Development (PD) reflects teacher feedback and observed needs and is planned and implemented by the Academic Team as well as external presenters. 3e blocks off every Tuesday from 4-6 p.m. for PD and team meetings. In November, two full PD days are scheduled in lieu of classes, allowing teachers to deepen their teaching practices and return to the classroom rejuvenated.
To gain access to 3e International School’s full profile on the Search Associates database, including a list of all open positions, candidates can apply for membership by clicking here. Candidates already registered can easily access the school profile directly through their dashboards.
Please note: The information presented about this school was valid on the date published. This information may change, and the most up-to-date information can be found on the school profile.
