International Addresses

Unfortunately, there is not one international format for addressing correspondence.  Each country differs in the layout, hierarchical alignment, and items to include.  So, how will we know how to send three identical letters to three different countries?  Anything I don't know (and if you know me well, that's quite a bit), I always go and ask using my search engine of choice (and if you have ever sat through one of my classes you know that my favorite is Google).  There are several good sites that will help you with the layout, alignment, and items.  Those sites are:

• http://www.addressdoctor.com/en/countries-data/address-formats.html
• http://bitboost.com/ref/international-address-formats.html#Formats
• https://www.usps.com/send/international-addressing-tips.htm

You may even be wondering why we are learning how to address letters with the popularity of electronic correspondence.  For some situations, nothing can replace snail mail/formal correspondence.  

1. Formal correspondence (snail mail) will earn more respect and time from the addressee.  How many times have you deleted an e-mail without looking at it just based on who the sender is where letters addressed to you (that aren't junk mail) usually are opened and at least skimmed because you believe that few people will spend the time and money to send an item through the mail unless there is an important reason.
2. E-mail correspondence is referred to as informal correspondence.  We tend to use abbreviations, texting slang, etc. when writing them.  E-mail does not carry the same clout as formally written letters on paper.