[ID:5844] EDITORS NOTE: Foreign students studying in the US or Canada may also be interested in two related Resource Lists: Foreign Students Working In The US and Resources For International Students Studying In The US Or Canada.

As an international student looking to gain career-building experience in North America, your challenge will be proving to employers that you have a solid understanding of North American business protocol and can build bridges between the local culture and your own. Your academic training will not adequately prepare you for the professional work environment abroad. You'll need more experience to learn how to plan, organize, work in teams and understand the politics of work and leadership.

Maximize your time abroad by learning everything you can about the workings of your host culture. Dive into North American culture at the grass-roots level by joining clubs, volunteering and making friends. That's the best...