The way a society looks at the world is built up out of repeated inner attitudes and motivations which lead to a complex system which is unique to that society. It's what makes an Arab an Arab, an American an American, and an Englishman an Englishman. Every world-view or culture contains some parts or elements which are sinful, from Jesus' viewpoint. It is possible, however, that these parts become molded in such a way that the culture as a whole becomes more Christian. In order to have an effective ministry with internationals, it's necessary to understand something about culture.
Books are a good source to learn about culture, but everyday life can be an even better teacher.
If you're willing to learn, open your eyes and ears, and ask good questions of your international friend, you'll learn much about his or her culture, and gain new insight into your own culture as well. The many areas where cultures are quite different will give you opportunities for conversation as you share with each other about the differences, and also will give you opportunities to show practical love as you help. Often international students are expecting cultural differences in major areas, such as with food or language, but aren't thinking of differences in areas such as how people interact with each other, or how long a person looks at another person in the eye, or how we show affection toward a member of the opposite sex. It's in these unexpected areas of difference that international students often become confused, or even sometimes deeply hurt or angry. It's when someone is not expecting a difference that the difference can be so dramatic.