Watch Eating the Scorpion

A story that puts a human dimension to the critically important American need for international understanding. The documentary follows a group of American teachers who have been teaching their students about China, as they visit this Asian country for the first time. From historic sites to people's homes to visiting a school in Beijing to cultural events, they confront their book knowledge with personal experience and discover a new passion for Asia. As the teachers experience this Asian nation we see how this changes them, energizes their teaching and expands horizons for their students The teachers in turn inspire their students with a desire for learning about China, to the point that the students are so eager for more of what they are being taught, they don't want to leave when the bell rings. The title "Eating the Scorpion" is symbolic of a breakthrough for Michelle, one of the teachers, that happens when she is challenged to eat a deep-fried scorpion at an outdoor night market. As one of the other teachers describes the moment, when Michelle met the scorpion challenge she went through a barrier, no longer a small town girl, as she described herself at the beginning of the journey. As the story unfolds, after the scorpion incident Michelle evolves into a citizen of the world who instills in her students understanding and acceptance of China's culture. More at www.RichterVideos.com