Cultural differences are very much a part of international trade and global competition and companies which are currently in, or would like to engage in, international trade must be willing to adapt to foreign cultures with a firm understanding of national and individual environmental factors. Successful intercultural communication includes an awareness of the education, laws, economy, politics, social norms, and language of cultures; and an awareness of world events and an understanding of their significance in the global marketplace are requisites for success in international business ventures. Some of the national characteristics that successful international business communicators need to develop an awareness of are described; they include laws (regulations), politics, religion, and the language used. Other areas discussed that can greatly influence business relations include the following: how time is viewed; encountering different attitudes about food, alcohol, and direct person-to-person contact; and differences in social graces such as handshaking or the use of nonverbal communication (gestures). Finally, the differences found in business correspondence from other countries is examined. Contains 15 references. (GLR)