Chat with 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.
Kayleigh Davies '25
Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Aberdare, South Wales
Majors: Biology & Gender and Sexuality Studies
Campus Involvements: Davidson Outdoors, Planned Parenthood Generation Action, Davidson Mindfulness, Queers & Allies / You Are Not A Stranger Here, Research with Dr. Debbie Thurtle-Schmidt in the Biology Department
#WhyDavidson: The collective buy-in. Everyone at Davidson (especially faculty and staff) is fully committed to creating and maintaining a supportive environment. I've never been alone at any events that I’ve hosted or research that I’ve presented. I've immersed myself in areas of campus that would've been so intimidating to me in high school because they're areas that my friends are so comfortable and involved in. There’s just no sense of superiority on campus, we’re here to support each other and lean into whatever atmosphere is trying to be created.
Fun Fact: My favourite planet is Mars, because it has the same name in Welsh as the day and month that I was born. :)
Favorite Bite to Eat in the Davidson Area: Anything from Masala Mastee (but particularly the roadside bhaji and garlic naan).
Divin Lionel Dushimimana '26
Pronouns: he/him
Hometown: Kigali, Rwanda
Major: Philosophy, Politics & Economics (PPE)
Minor: Public Health
Campus Involvements: Bonner Scholars, Davidson African Students Association (DASA), Davidson Global Health Club, Volunteer at the Pines
#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 love skateboarding around campus; you’ll see me frequently doing that.
Favorite Bite to Eat in the Davidson Area: Sabi and the North Harbor Club!
Numa E. Jannat '27
Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Dhaka, Bangladesh
Majors: Economics and Psychology
Campus Involvements: Davidson International Association, Muslim Student Association, Warner Hall Eating House
#WhyDavidson: The professors and staff consistently go the extra mile to provide resources that cater to my individual needs as a student. They take the time to understand my academic strengths, challenges, and goals, and through targeted assistance or adjustments to coursework, they create an environment where I can thrive both academically and holistically. This personalized approach makes me feel seen and ensures that my voice is heard at Davidson.
Fun Fact: I started my own home bakery when I was 16!
Favorite Bite to Eat in the Davidson Area: The Pickled Peach
Dagi Lulseged '25
Pronouns: he/him
Hometown: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Major: Genomics
Advising Track: Premedicine
Campus Involvements: Independent researcher under Dr. Debbie Thurtle-Schmidt, FIRST Action Team advisor, Minority Association for Pre-medical Students (MAPS), Hall Counselor, Davidson African Students Association (DASA), Club Soccer
#WhyDavidson: Coming from a high school with a tight-knit community, I was looking for a welcoming college environment with a vibrant campus and active student life. At Davidson, I have developed meaningful relationships with fellow international and domestic students, faculty and staff. Davidson’s science program is rigorous and strong, which prepares students well for graduate school and national examinations. The professors’ dedication to knowing and supporting their students never fails to amaze me. The grants and funding opportunities allow students to conduct cutting-edge research both on campus and at other prestigious institutions across the U.S. I have grown personally and professionally thanks to Davidson's remarkable community and extensive resources.
Fun Fact: I am a huge Manchester United fan!
Favorite Bite to Eat in the Davidson Area: The Soda Shop. You must order the Pimento Cheeseburger!
Victoria Anyango Ochieng '27
Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Nairobi, Kenya
Major: Economics Major
Minor: Environmental Science
Campus Involvements: FIRST Action Team, Bonner Scholars Program, The Hurt Hub (Events Specialist), College Crisis Initiative (Data Collector), Resident Advisor, Davidson Entrepreneurship Club (Events Manager), Davidson International Association (DIA), Davidson African Students Association, and Dean Rusk Global Corps.
#WhyDavidson: Davidson truly appreciates and embodies the spirit of community living, and this has played a significant role in shaping my experience. Community at Davidson takes many forms, from the social connections fostered through student clubs like Davidson International Association to the professional support offered by organizations like the Davidson Entrepreneurship Club, and the civic engagement opportunities available through the Center for Civic Engagement, and many more. Davidson feels like home, and I love it because I genuinely feel like I belong.
Fun Fact: My middle name, Anyango, means dawn
Favorite Bite to Eat in the Davidson Area: Steak Fajitas at Mestizos
Maya Rajeh '27
Pronouns: she/her
Home: Bermuda
Major: Psychology
Minor: Economics
Campus Involvements: Student Government Association (SGA), Admissions Tour Guide, Pre-Orientation Leader, Davidson International Association (DIA), Rusk Eating House E-Board, Dance Ensemble (DE)
#WhyDavidson: Davidson has an unmatched sense of community that truly resonated with me as someone who comes from a small high school. Being an international student, this feeling of belonging and support was especially valuable to me. I have found lifelong friends and have formed wonderful relationships with professors and faculty. With the Honor Code being at the center of it all, I find it so inspiring to be surrounded by those who live by trust and respect. I am confident that Davidson is a place that will allow me to thrive more than I could have ever imagined.
Fun Fact: I met Jerry at the Ben & Jerry's store on Main Street in Davidson.
Favorite Bite to Eat in the Davidson Area: The Famous Toastery (yummy breakfast, brunch and lunch)
Rishi Sharma '27
Pronouns: he/him
Hometowns: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia / Mumbai, India
Major: Biology
Campus Involvements: Pan-Asian Student Association (PASA), Badminton Club, Entrepreneurship Club, Union Fitness Center Worker and Bartender, Post & Print worker, International Pre-Orientation Leader.
#WhyDavidson: Davidson truly cares. Every time I've found an opportunity, interest, or idea to pursue, Davidson has not only supported it, but has encouraged me to take it even further than I had imagined. The friends I have made at Davidson are some of the most incredible and ambitious people I have ever met. Ultimately, Davidson's opportunities and the students themselves are the Davidson difference.
Fun Fact: I speak four languages! Tamil, Hindi, Spanish, and English.
Favorite Bite to Eat in the Davidson Area: The Famous Toastery. I get the eggs benedict and it is delicious.
Mariana Tardío Gutiérrez '26
Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia
Major: Psychology
Minor: Digital Studies
Campus Involvements: Honor Council, Admissions Office, Matthews Center for Career Development, Organization of Latin American Students (OLAS), Warner Hall Eating House, Admission Tour Guide, Cats Connect, Davidson International Association (DIA), International Pre-Orientation Leader 2023, Deliberative Citizenship Initiative (DCI)
#WhyDavidson: Something that sets us apart from other colleges and universities is our Honor Code, which goes beyond simply allowing online exams and internet access for assignments. At Davidson, our Honor Code is central to creating a fair and trustworthy environment—the very foundation of our community. It also ensures that integrity is upheld in tests and papers, so each person's work truly reflects their unique efforts. What makes Davidson’s Honor Code special is how it actively shapes our daily lives; it fosters a genuine culture of mutual respect and personal responsibility. This commitment not only strengthens academic integrity but also helps build a tight-knit community where we hold each other accountable and support one another. For us, honor isn’t just a principle; it’s a way of life that influences everything we do. The Honor Code makes me feel respected, valued, and safe on campus!
Fun Fact: I have 6 dogs back at home!
Favorite Bite to Eat in the Davidson Area: I have a sweet tooth and LOVE ice cream, so Whit’s Frozen Custard is definitely my go-to!