[ID:0754] This article provides a short overview of US and Canadian NGOs (including a more detailed overview of Quebec NGOs).

Can an American Work for a Canadian NGO? Or Vice Versa?

North American NGOs range in size from small, family-run groups to large multi-national organizations. A significant number of NGOs across North America have over 500 staff, including large overseas contingents, but the US, of course, has a much higher number of larger organizations than Canada does. Due to visa restrictions, Americans are not generally employed in Canadian NGO headquarters, and, likewise, Canadians are not generally employed in US NGO headquarters.

If you are applying to work at an NGO that isn't in your native country, you'll have better luck applying for a position in one of their program countries abroad. Overseas positions are generally advertised and managed through the Web sites of the NGOs' American headquarters.

Language skills can increase your hireability if you are interested in working for a "foreign" North American NGO. Canadians with French language skills...