We caught up with our first LLM Thai Scholarship recipient, Thanyachanok (Bibi) Sopa after her first term at Warwick Law School.

Tell us about your background – what did you do before coming to Warwick?

Before joining Warwick, I did my bachelor’s degree in law from Chulalongkorn University, Thailand. During this time, I gained practical experience through an internship at the Legal Department of the Bank of Thailand, sparking my interest in law and finance. After completing my degree, I went through the whole process and earned my attorney-at-law license from the Lawyers Council of Thailand. In order to go deeper into international commercial law, I pursued my first LLM at the University of Kent, where I graduated with distinction.

How did you find out about Warwick?

I have heard about Warwick for its longstanding reputation. I researched and heard commendable feedback from various sources, including the course I would like to pursue for further studies.

Did you consider studying anywhere else? What made you choose Warwick Law School?

Initially, I applied to several universities. However, as I weighed a number of factors, such as location, cost of living, university rankings, and academic intelligence, Warwick Law School stood out as the optimal choice.

How did you apply and did anyone help you with your application form and visa application? Did you encounter any difficulties?

I applied through the university website with support from my agency, which guided me from application submission to visa extension. The whole process, however, went by smoothly because the University website is easy to use and provides clear information and deadlines for each process.

You are the first scholar to be awarded the prestigious Thai LLM scholarship. How did you feel when you found out you were awarded the scholarship?

Being awarded the prestigious Thai LLM scholarship was a moment of unexpected joy. I approached the application essay with the experiences I have had and articulated my future aspirations. So, the honour of receiving the scholarship was both surprising and deeply pleasing.

Was your arrival and orientation okay? What were your first impressions/highlights?

Despite being overwhelmed in the first place, the warmth of the welcome by staff, officers, and professors made my arrival and orientation memorable. I also met many good new friends from various nationalities and backgrounds who are friendly and approachable.

Have you joined any clubs or societies?

There are a wide variety of clubs and societies here at Warwick. Currently, I joined Warwick Law society, and Warwick International and European Law society, which offer a lot of engaging activities to join. And, I plan to explore more societies in the next term.

How is your accommodation?

I live in a student accommodation in Coventry near the City Centre. It was a studio room providing me with a private space. I also can take a bus to the university, which takes around 15-20 minutes.

How are you finding studying in the Law School? What do you enjoy most?

It was pretty tough to manage everything in the first few weeks, but as time passed, I could adapt myself better by studying while doing my part-time job. In terms of studying, I really like how passionate the lecturers were and how critical the seminar discussions were. It made me develop my analytical skills a lot, which I can apply to my upcoming assignments and exams.

Thinking more broadly, what is the best thing about Warwick as an institution?

Beyond the university’s reputation, I like its diverse and inclusive community here. I have a chance to engage with many new people and exchange our own experiences. There is also no judgment but an effort to learn, understand, and embrace the uniqueness of each person.

If you were talking to a Thai student considering study at Warwick Law School, what advice would you give them?

I would encourage them to seize the opportunity. Warwick Law School offers not only an environment for personal and intellectual growth, but also a chance to gain diverse experiences, meet wonderful people, and acquire valuable knowledge and skills that will benefit you in the future!

What do you hope to do once you graduate?

After completing my studies, I hope to use the skills and knowledge I have gained at Warwick to fulfill my future career. My passion lies in the area of financial regulation, and I aim to contribute meaningfully to this field by utilising the expertise acquired during my time here.