Students Use Smart Drugs To Deal With The Stress

Asian universities hit by cyberattack

Several Asian universities were victims of cyberattacks, but Chinese universities were worst affected by a worldwide attack that began on 12 May, with hackers demanding ransom payments of about $300 to unlock research and personal data of students encrypted by the attack. More than 4,300 education institutions in China were infected by the malware. Qihoo 360, a major anti-virus software supplier in China, said government services, hospitals, shopping malls and railway stations were also affected on the Chinese mainland. Institutions in Hong Kong, South Korea and Japan were less affected by such attacks with few breaches reported. Recent cyberattacks on university systems had led to new security measures, cybersecurity experts said. 

Students use smart drugs to deal with the stress

With the summer exam season in British universities, a new trend is on the way. In order to cope with the stress, students often resort to use of smart drugs. Thomas Lancaster, an associate dean at Staffordshire University called on universities to have discussions with their students and tackle the issue because we are entering a ”dangerous world” with study drugs. These substances, the most popular ones being Ritalin, Adderall and Modafinil, are used to to improve concentration, memory and mental stamina for the purpose of studying. The use of these drugs without a prescription is illegal and experts warn that it could result in unwanted side effects. According to a survey conducted by Oxford University student newspaper Cherwell in 2016, out of a total of 662 responses, 15.6% of students have knowingly taken a study drug without prescription. The university has now introduced smart drug workshops to educate young people. 

France and Canada sign a deal that will boosts student mobility

New cooperation agreement between Canada and France is signed in order to improve professional opportunities for students who are studying for a degree in ”French as a foreign language” in France. The reason for signing this deal is the need for French-language teachers in Canada, but also to make it possible for Canadian students in French-language programmes to work and study in France. In total 34 French and Canadian universities will now be able to have mutual collaboration, and students will get an opportunity to study and work overseas.

Photos:Shutterstock / Collage: Martina Advaney

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