Projects are considered international when sponsored by a foreign government or by a private entity based in a foreign nation, regardless of where the work is to be performed. Examples of foreign sponsors are foreign governments and governmental agencies, foreign universities, non-U.S. domiciled companies (defined as a company legally organized and originally incorporated under the laws of a foreign country), and non-U.S. non-governmental organizations and foreign public charities.

Agreements with foreign sponsors will generally provide that English is the operative language, that advance payments are made, and that all payments are made in U.S. dollars.