From Hamilton to Maastricht: A Student Exchange That Changed Everything
Not many Kiwis know where Maastricht is, let alone that a treaty founding the European Union was signed here, but Gabby Rawhiti does.
Wintec Bachelor of Accounting student Gabby Rawhiti enjoyed exploring Amsterdam on her student exchange.
When Gabby arrived in Maastricht for her student exchange at Zuyd University, the Netherlands, the enormity of being in a foreign city didn’t fully sink in until her first induction day.
“I showed up and saw this building that looked like something from ancient times.”
Students were placed into international groups and sent on a hunt through the city. “There were people from Spain, Brazil, China, Romania, France, all figuring out how to get around and solve problems together.”
As she walked through Maastricht, she couldn’t stop noticing the narrow streets lined with tall buildings pressed closely together, ancient cathedrals and bicycles as far as the eye could see.
“So different from New Zealand - and that’s when it really hit me: I wasn’t just visiting, I was living and studying in another country.”
Gabby Rawhiti got the full Dutch experience from behind the handlebars.
A different way of learning
The learning environment at Zuyd University was student-led, with the lecturers acting like coaches. “We quickly had to figure things out for ourselves.”
Projects based on businesses with real challenges saw Gabby and her team working with a Brazilian company looking to expand into Europe.
“Presenting our ideas to a CEO made me realise how capable I really am. I felt so proud of myself and my team.” Gabby also gained experience using artificial intelligence responsibly in her coursework - something she believes will be invaluable for her career in accounting.
Gabby's class at Zuyd University, the Netherlands
The toughest challenge: learning to rely on herself
Beyond coursework, the strain of day-to-day living in a foreign city tested her mental strength: being away from family, adjusting to a new culture, and navigating unfamiliar transport all pushed Gabby outside her comfort zone. “You realise very quickly that no one is coming to fix things for you. You have to figure it out yourself.”
Gabby developed routines to help her stay grounded - setting regular sleep patterns, keeping a gratitude journal, and making time for small adventures like visiting cafés.
The experience also gave Gabby a deeper sense of confidence in her identity
“The pride people had in their culture in Europe was contagious. It made me feel even prouder to be Māori. I’ve come home wanting to use te reo more and connect more deeply with my culture.”
Professionally, the experience expanded her ambitions. She now has clear goals to pursue leadership roles in the future, with aspirations to become a Chartered Accountant, Chief Financial Officer, or business owner.
She also built strong friendships with students from around the world, connections she continues to maintain today.
Asked to sum up a life-changing experience in three words, Gabby says “Liberated. Terrified. Balanced”.
“It was one of the toughest things I’ve ever done, but would do it again in a heartbeat.
“I used to think you always needed someone else to show you the way. Now I know I can develop myself anywhere, “she says.
Her advice to students considering an exchange? “If you prepare well and take the leap, this experience can change your life in ways you can’t imagine.”
Gabby explored the Netherlands' colder climate.
Student Exchange Coordinator Karen Kemsley says Gabby’s experience highlights the lasting value of international learning.
“Exchange stretches students in ways that classroom learning alone can’t. It builds confidence, independence, and perspective - skills that stay with you for life.”
Student exchange opportunities continue to be available through Wintec’s international partnerships, offering students the chance to study overseas, gain global experience, and bring new perspectives back to Aotearoa New Zealand.