FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

GENERAL

Q: When and where the Algorithm Competition Winter Camp 2024 will be held?

A: The camp will take place at Beykoz Kundura in Istanbul, Turkey, from January 22 to 28. We will hold the sessions every day between these dates.

Q: How long will the winter camp last and where will the participants stay?

A: The winter camp will last 7 days and 6 nights. The participants will stay in dormitories (Men’s & Women’s). If you have a problem with this accommodation type as a participant, you can let us know by emailing us at algorithm@inzva.com.

Q: How much will the winter camp cost for the participants?

A: The winter camp is free of charge. Accommodation and meals are provided by BEV.Foundation.

Q: Who will give the lectures?

A: Experts from inzva’s algorithm community will be giving the lectures.

Q: What is the Code of Conduct and why do participants have to abide by it?

A: Code of Conduct is an agreement made between the participants of events and inzva so that we can sustain a peaceful environment and a harassment-free coding experience for all of our participants. By submitting your application, you agree to abide by our Code of Conduct. Please note that you will also be required to sign an agreement for the use of media captured in the camp that may be shared on social media.

Q: I am under 18 and studying in high school. Can I attend?

A: Unfortunately, the camp will not include those not enrolled in a university.

Q: Will there be Wi-Fi available in the camping area?

A: Yes, we will provide free Wi-Fi for all participants in the camping and studying areas.

Q: How can I apply for the Algorithm Competition Winter Camp 2024?

A: You can fill the form at the application page here. Qualification Round and the other announcements will be sent via email.

Q: Can every applicant join the camp?

A: A limited number of participants will be accepted to the camp.

Q: What should I bring to wear?

A: In the Algorithm Competition Winter Camp, you will study in the study area for long hours, so please be comfortable and casual. Istanbul, especially Beykoz Kundura, can get cold during this season and you will stay in a dorm, so please take these into consideration when planning your attire. There is no enforced dress code but we suggest you bring outfits for cold weather such as a sweatshirt.

Q: Does inzva provide transportation?

A: Unfortunately, we will not be providing transportation for this camp. If you want to see the details on how to get here, here is a guide for you.

Q: Will I have personal storage for my luggage?

A: We provide a place to keep your personal items. However, you are responsible for their safety; so please bring locks for your bags.

Q: I am allergic to some foods. Could you rearrange the meals for me?

A: If you have any allergies, please let us know via algorithm@inzva.com or the registration form that we will send you after the qualification. In the form, we also ask you for an emergency contact for health and safety issues. Make sure to give a valid number and a genuine emergency contact.

Q: I am not very proficient in algorithms but I want to learn. Can I attend the camp?

A: Everyone eligible to apply can take part in the Qualification Round which will be considered in the selection of the camp participants. If your level is sufficient for our Foundation group, you have a high chance of being selected. So feel free to apply and test yourself regardless of your proficiency.

Q: I don’t study or have a degree in Computer Science or Computer Engineering but I know programming. Can I attend the camp?

A: Your major is not a criterion for the selection process.

Q: Can I join the camp even if I am not an undergraduate student at a university?

A: The winter camp is only open to undergraduate students studying in the preparatory, first, second and third years. Those who have finished their final year or are studying masters will not be accepted to the camp.

Q: What should I bring for personal use?

A: You should bring:

Your personal computer (you must also prepare your own programming environment).

*Install your compiler.

*Install the appropriate IDE (ie, eclipse, visual studio, etc.) or editor and make sure that it works.

*If you have difficulty bringing a personal computer, please contact algorithm@inzva.com.

-Toiletries such as a towel, slippers, toothbrush, and shampoo.

-Appropriate and comfortable attire as well as some items that may be necessary for this season (cold and rainy weather). We urge you to check the weather.

-Any other items you might use in your leisure, such as an instrument that you play.

Q: Can I leave Beykoz Kundura during the camp?

A: We believe staying in Beykoz Kundura is one of the best parts of the camp. Staying away from the noisy atmosphere and the traffic of Istanbul, and studying with an uncluttered mind will improve your learning experience. If you have a valid reason to leave Beykoz Kundura during the camp, please state it to us before the camp via algorithm@inzva.com.

Q: Is the premises wheelchair accessible?

A: The premises of Beykoz Kundura and the event building are completely wheelchair accessible. We encourage university students with disabilities to join. Please write to us at algorithm@inzva.com for any questions you might have.

Q: Can I choose my group while applying?

A: No, groups will be determined by the participants’ qualification results.

Q: Do I need to know English?

A: The lessons will be in Turkish but the materials will be in English, so you are required to know basic English. The reason for the use of English is that there may be foreign guests coming from other countries, so our materials need to fit an international standard.

QUALIFICATION ROUND & PARTICIPANT SELECTION

Q: How can I enter the Qualification Round?

A: The Qualification Round will be held online on algoleague. If you do not have an account, please sign up before the qualification to enter the contest. The contest link will be sent to the applicants via email with the previous qualification round problems.

Q: When is the Qualification Round?

A: The Qualification Round will take place between January 6, 12:00 and January 9, 00:00 (60hrs).

Q: When will the qualification results and the groups be announced?

A: The results of the Qualification Round will be announced to the applicants via email on January 11th. The email will contain the information regarding the group you are assigned to.

Q: Am I expected to solve all of the problems in the Qualification Round?

A: No, the problems are there for us to determine your level. However, these are not enough to guarantee your enrollment in the camp. We will consider your answers on the application form and prioritize certain qualities.

Q: What do you consider while selecting participants?

A: Solving all of the questions in the Qualification Round does not guarantee your participation in the camp. We consider many things while choosing participants; you can find them below.

Your qualification round results will be important for the choosing process.
We will take notes of the motivations and expectations that you will provide in the application form.
We prioritize accepting non-Istanbul resident students to the camp as they are not able to attend other programs of inzva for the rest of the year.
The winter camp is only open to undergraduate students studying in the preparatory, first, second and third years.

Q: Do I need to know anything about programming to attend the camp?

A: Yes. We expect you to have a good knowledge of at least one programming language such as C, C ++, Python, or Java. You are also expected to show the necessary effort to improve.

Also, we expect at least some basic programming skills such as:

Basic Data Structures: (Arrays, Matrices, Strings, Stacks, Queues
Basic Math Operations (Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division, Exponentiation)
Basic Recursion
Basic String Manipulations

All participants have to abide by our CODE OF CONDUCT and LETTER OF CONSENT.

A BEV Foundation project inzva is a non-profit hacker community organizing study and project groups as well as camps in the fields of AI and Algorithm; and gathering CS students, academics, and professionals in Turkey.