Ask an International Wildcat
As an international applicant to Davidson, you might have questions about attending college in the United States. International Admission Ambassadors understand and want to help you get to know Davidson from wherever you are in the world.
You are also welcome to send questions to admissionambassadors@davidson.edu for a student-oriented perspective on life at Davidson.
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Malavika Kalani '24Pronouns: she/her Hometown: Kolkata, India Major: Mathematics and Computer Science Campus Involvements: Fostering Inclusivity and Respect in Science Together (FIRST) Action Team, Davidson International Association (2022-23 President), International Student Orientation Team, Davidson Dance Ensemble, Davidson Theatre Department, Math and Computer Science Tutor #WhyDavidson: One of the most rewarding aspects of being a Davidson student has been the amazing resources and opportunities I've had access to. More importantly, I've truly felt like I'm at an institution that looks out for every student and empowers them to do the same for other people. Fun Fact: I went skydiving with some of my friends during finals week of my junior fall semester and it was the best thing I've ever done! Favorite Bite to Eat in the Davidson Area: Anything from Milkbread! Connect with Malavika at makalani@davidson.edu. |
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Arshi Husain '26Pronouns: she/her Hometown: Islamabad, Pakistan Majors: Economics and Philosophy Double Major Campus Involvements: Pan-Asian Students Association (PASA), Chidsey Leadership Fellow, Humanities Fellow, Deliberative Citizenship Initiative (DCI) Fellow, The Davidsonian (Features Editor), Muslim Student Association (Treasurer), Wellness Wendy (Committee Head), Academic Access & Disability Resources (Student Assistant) #WhyDavidson: Because every time I question if Davidson is the place for me, if I fit in, if I’m good enough, Davidson always finds a way to give me a conclusive answer: yes. At Davidson, I find opportunities, friends, and new experiences even when I’m not actively seeking them. From a professional and personal lens, Davidson has given me the chance to grow—whether it be by participating in career treks over spring break or being able to take charge of Asian affinity work on campus. At Davidson, I have never felt pressured to fit a mold—rather, I have the freedom to create my own. Fun Fact: I believed in the Tooth Fairy up until high school. Favorite Bite to Eat in the Area: Pickled Peach Connect with Arshi at arhusain@davidson.edu. |
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Mariana Tardío Gutiérrez '26Pronouns: she/her Hometown: Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia Majors: Psychology and Digital Studies Campus Involvements: Matthews Center for Career Development, International Pre-Orientation Leader, Davidson International Association (DIA), Warner Hall Eating House E-Board, College Union Fitness Center Worker, Deliberative Citizenship Initiative (DCI), Tour Guide #WhyDavidson: Even though Davidson College was the only institution that accepted me, I can’t imagine myself anywhere else; I believe it was God and destiny who agreed for me to come to this perfect school. What I love most about Davidson is that it makes me feel at home, despite being thousands of miles away from Bolivia. As international students, we have countless opportunities and resources to make a smooth transition into American culture. From the Writing Center, International Student Programs (shoutout to the most welcoming and loving group of people on campus) to the Host Family Program, Davidson is the ideal place for international students. Fun Fact: I have 6 dogs back home! Favorite Bite to Eat in the Davidson Area: Mestizo’s Connect with Mariana at matardiogutierrez@davidson.edu. |
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Divin Lionel Dushimimana '26Pronouns: he/him Hometown: Kigali, Rwanda Major: Public Health Campus Involvements: Bonner Scholar, Belk Scholar, Deliberative Citizenship Initiative (DCI) Fellow, Tutor at Community School of Davidson, Davidson Global Health Club #WhyDavidson: In retrospect, my #WhyDavidson essay would look like this: The host family program was/is a game changer for me. Not only that I get to find a home to stay at during school breaks, but also because the dynamics of the family and our relationship have been able to demystify and teach me a lot of things. My host parents are extremely humble and Christians, and this has been able to keep me grounded, humble, and grateful as I start the next chapter of my life. I’m positive this host family experience will help me learn, unlearn, and transform me into a person I wouldn’t have become if I didn’t attend Davidson College. I’m learning from the best. For me, looking back, I would choose Davidson again and again because of what my host family has been able to teach me outside of class. Fun Fact: I have hiked Mount Bisoke in Rwanda; an elevation of 3,711 meters above the ground. The exercise will stretch you too thin, but it’s worth it. Favorite Bite to Eat in the Davidson Area: Arroz Con Pollo (A.C.P) at La Unica has been my favorite bite in the Davidson area. I 100% recommend it. Connect with Divin at didushimimana@davidson.edu. |
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Chloe Boissy Stauffer '24Pronouns: she/her Hometown: Lake Atitlan, Guatemala Majors: Environmental Studies and Political Science Campus Involvements: Jay Hurt Hub for Innovation, Student Government Association, Student Conduct Council, Arts at Davidson #WhyDavidson: I was first drawn to Davidson College for its rigorous academic programs and an exceptional faculty to student ratio. After doing some research and asking acquaintances about their experience at Davidson, I realized that the combination of the honor code, small campus, and hand selected student body was the perfect fit for a girl with big dreams who wanted a small town community feel. Fun Fact: I can complete the Rubik’s cube in under two minutes! Favorite Bite to Eat in the Davidson Area: Steak tacos at Mestizo. Connect with Chloe at chboissystauffer@davidson.edu. |
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Samuel Waithira '24Pronouns: he/him Hometown: Nairobi, Kenya Majors: Economics Minor: Applied Mathematics Campus Involvements: Bonner Scholar, Resident Advisor, Davidson International Assoc., Davidson African Students Assoc., Rotaract, Davidson Finance and Investment Assoc. #WhyDavidson: I love the resources Davidson has for its students. Davidson has unmatched resources for international students, and I have been fortunate to use them. Davidson has lots of resources and opportunities for students and I love describing Davidson as a bag of opportunities. Fun Fact: I am a huge Adele fan! My passion for her music knows no bounds, and my Spotify stats confirm it – I'm among the top 0.001 percent of listeners who just can't get enough of her soulful melodies. Favorite Bite to Eat in the Davidson Area: Kung Foo Noodle in Birkdale Village in Huntersville. I always get the Pot belly soup noodle with pot belly substituted with fried Tofu. Connect with Sam at sawaithira@davidson.edu. |