4 answers
Nabeel
Student
Bengkulu, Indonesia
4
Questions
Asked
1380 views
How can I meet a new partner or coach for free for competitive programming?
So in Indonesia, there is an event called OSN or School National Olympiad. There are many divisions, including Informatics which is about competitive programming.
It seems for me that learning from just a teacher from my school or using external online resources feels not enough.
I need a partner to be my friend on this journey or a coach to mentor me. And it will be even better if they are from outside of Indonesia.
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4 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1464
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Heyo Nabeel, great question! Finding a partner or coach for competitive programming without spending a dime can be a bit of a scavenger hunt, but it's totally doable with a little creativity.
One option is to dive into online communities dedicated to competitive programming, like the Codeforces and freeCodeCamp forums. Many people there are happy to help out, and you might even find a mentor from overseas willing to give you pointers—just post your request and be clear about your goals.
Another approach is using platforms like MentorCruise, which sometimes offer free mentoring sessions or trial periods. While many mentors charge, you might find someone willing to help for free, especially if they’re also looking to build their own portfolio or give back to the community.
You can also check out Codewars and LeetCode discussion boards; these communities are full of like-minded programmers. Many users post their experiences and sometimes even form small study groups or pair-programming teams for competitions.
Lastly, try attending virtual hackathons or competitive programming events hosted by sites like Topcoder or CodeChef. These events are a fantastic way to meet peers and potential mentors from around the world, and the collaborative vibe often leads to long-term connections.
Good luck, and don’t be afraid to reach out—sometimes the best mentors and partners are just a message away! All the bets Nabeel hope this helps and if you need anything let me know! 🤗
Consider joining local coding clubs or meetups in your area—there are often small communities of competitive programmers who share tips and even practice together.
Another option is to reach out to former OSN participants or even winners for advice or potential collaboration. Many successful coders are open to mentoring, especially if they see your passion for the competition.
try taking on a personal project or contributing to open-source coding projects—it'll challenge you in ways online courses and resources can't!
One option is to dive into online communities dedicated to competitive programming, like the Codeforces and freeCodeCamp forums. Many people there are happy to help out, and you might even find a mentor from overseas willing to give you pointers—just post your request and be clear about your goals.
Another approach is using platforms like MentorCruise, which sometimes offer free mentoring sessions or trial periods. While many mentors charge, you might find someone willing to help for free, especially if they’re also looking to build their own portfolio or give back to the community.
You can also check out Codewars and LeetCode discussion boards; these communities are full of like-minded programmers. Many users post their experiences and sometimes even form small study groups or pair-programming teams for competitions.
Lastly, try attending virtual hackathons or competitive programming events hosted by sites like Topcoder or CodeChef. These events are a fantastic way to meet peers and potential mentors from around the world, and the collaborative vibe often leads to long-term connections.
Good luck, and don’t be afraid to reach out—sometimes the best mentors and partners are just a message away! All the bets Nabeel hope this helps and if you need anything let me know! 🤗
Dr recommends the following next steps:
Minghao CHEN
38
Answers
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Updated
Minghao’s Answer
To find a free programming partner or coach, you can join online communities like Codeforces, AtCoder, and LeetCode Discuss, where you can participate in contests and connect with like-minded individuals. Additionally, Discord servers such as Codeforces Discord, LeetCode Discord, and Telegram groups for Competitive Programming are great places to meet people who are also preparing for competitions. The r/CompetitiveProgramming subreddit is another active forum where you can ask questions and find experienced coders willing to help.
If you're looking for free coaching, consider taking Harvard’s CS50 course (CS50.edx.org) or learning from CP-Algorithms. YouTube channels like Errichto, SecondThread, and William Lin provide excellent tutorials on competitive programming. You can also reach out to university coding clubs or ICPC participants—many international universities have open GitHub groups, LinkedIn connections, or Twitter accounts where you might find mentors. Sending a polite and concise message to high-rated Codeforces users or professionals on LinkedIn may also help you connect with an experienced mentor willing to guide you.
If you're looking for free coaching, consider taking Harvard’s CS50 course (CS50.edx.org) or learning from CP-Algorithms. YouTube channels like Errichto, SecondThread, and William Lin provide excellent tutorials on competitive programming. You can also reach out to university coding clubs or ICPC participants—many international universities have open GitHub groups, LinkedIn connections, or Twitter accounts where you might find mentors. Sending a polite and concise message to high-rated Codeforces users or professionals on LinkedIn may also help you connect with an experienced mentor willing to guide you.
Bright Komor
Nurse
260
Answers
Accra, Greater Accra Region, Ghana
Updated
Bright’s Answer
Indonesia's National Science Olympiad (OSN) for Informatics offers opportunities for students to excel in competitive programming. Connecting with international mentors and partners can provide diverse perspectives and advanced insights. Online communities and forums like Reddit's r/Codeforces, freeCodeCamp Forum, Coding Coach, Topcoder, Codewars, and AI-powered learning assistants can help students find study partners and mentors.
Competitive programming platforms like Topcoder, Codewars, and Code Coach by YesChat.ai offer programming challenges across various languages and collaboration with users globally. AI-powered learning assistants like Code Coach by YesChat.ai offer personalized problem suggestions and strategic support to improve competitive programming skills.
To maximize resources, students should engage in discussions, ask questions, and share knowledge. Consistency and open-mindedness are essential for building a robust support network. Regular practice and interaction with these communities will enhance learning curves and help build a robust support network. By leveraging these platforms and maintaining a proactive approach, students can find the mentorship and partnership needed to excel in competitive programming and achieve success in the OSN Informatics division.
Competitive programming platforms like Topcoder, Codewars, and Code Coach by YesChat.ai offer programming challenges across various languages and collaboration with users globally. AI-powered learning assistants like Code Coach by YesChat.ai offer personalized problem suggestions and strategic support to improve competitive programming skills.
To maximize resources, students should engage in discussions, ask questions, and share knowledge. Consistency and open-mindedness are essential for building a robust support network. Regular practice and interaction with these communities will enhance learning curves and help build a robust support network. By leveraging these platforms and maintaining a proactive approach, students can find the mentorship and partnership needed to excel in competitive programming and achieve success in the OSN Informatics division.
Thanks, can't wait to put this advice into action!
Nabeel
Teklemuz Ayenew Tesfay
Electrical Engineer, Software Developer, and Career Mentor
520
Answers
Ethiopia
Updated
Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer
I am going to recommend you to focus on the following areas, these tips will help you to find the right mentor.
Set Clear Goals & Track Progress:
Define specific goals for OSN and break them into manageable tasks. Track your progress regularly to stay motivated and on course.
Master DSA & Algorithms:
Focus on essential data structures (arrays, trees, graphs) and algorithms (dynamic programming, greedy, search/sort). Practice on platforms like Codeforces, LeetCode, and AtCoder to improve problem-solving skills.
Prioritize Health & Sleep:
Exercise regularly to stay sharp and energized. Ensure 7-9 hours of sleep for optimal mental performance and retention.
Time & Stress Management:
Use techniques like Pomodoro for focused study sessions. Practice stress-relief techniques like mindfulness to avoid burnout.
Join Community Groups:
Participate in competitive programming groups on Telegram, Slack, or Discord to connect with like-minded peers and share resources.
Engage Actively:
Ask questions, share knowledge, and participate in discussions. Don’t just observe—be an active member of the community. Offer solutions to others’ problems while seeking help for yours.
Ask Questions & Seek Feedback:
Whenever you face challenges, ask for help. Whether it’s mentors, peers, or online forums, seeking feedback on your approaches helps you learn faster and refine your skills.
Practice Consistently:
Solve problems daily, participate in contests, and keep challenging yourself with harder problems. Consistency is key to improving.
Being organized and managing time effectively helps you engage more in competitive programming communities, making it easier to network and find a mentor or practice partner. Demonstrating commitment through clear goals, mastering algorithms, and maintaining focus attracts experienced mentors. Consistency in learning and a balanced lifestyle build long-term, meaningful collaborations. These qualities show that you are serious and reliable, increasing your chances of forming valuable relationships in competitive programming.
Tap into Niche Competitive Programming Events:
Look for regional olympiads like the Balkan OI or Asia-Pacific Informatics Olympiad (APIO), which have open-access communities. Even if you can't officially compete, these communities often welcome practice partners.
Join hackathons with CP elements (like those on Devpost) to network with others who share similar interests in algorithmic challenges.
Utilize Free Resources with Community Aspects:
CS50x Community: Harvard’s CS50 has a large community on Discord and forums where you can meet people from around the world, including competitive programmers. CS50x Forums (edX): Participate in discussions and collaborate with students worldwide.
CS50 Facebook Group: Share resources and find practice partners.
Khan Academy: While less specific to CP, Khan Academy’s forums may lead you to someone interested in mentorship or collaboration.
Use Video Platforms for Visibility:
Engage with popular competitive programmers on YouTube (e.g., Errichto, William Lin) by commenting on their videos and asking for mentorship or practice partners.
On Twitch, watch live coding contests, join the chat, and introduce yourself to fellow coders for potential collaboration.
Join Community Groups:
Participate in competitive programming groups on Telegram, Slack, or Discord to connect with like-minded peers and share resources.
Engage with Stack Overflow & GitHub:
Ask questions and share knowledge on Stack Overflow. Create a GitHub profile to showcase your coding projects and practice solutions.
Tap into University Programming Clubs:
Reach out to active members of university programming clubs or ACM-ICPC groups (e.g., MIT, IIT) via social media or email. Share your OSN goal and seek a practice partner or mentor.
Use Problem-Solving Platforms with Chat Features:
Platforms like HackerEarth and SPOJ allow interaction with other users. Connect with active participants and propose partnerships for practice.
Leverage International Student Networks:
Connect with students worldwide through platforms like Erasmus+, exchange forums, or Pen Pal programs (e.g., Interpals) to find global coding buddies.
Gamify Your Search:
Challenge potential partners with coding challenges or friendly contests. Post on X or Codeforces with a problem like: I’m preparing for OSN Informatika—solve this with me, and let’s team up if we click! Target
Retirees or Alumni:
Search for IOI alumni or retired olympiad coaches on X or LinkedIn. Reach out with a polite message: Hi, I’m preparing for OSN in Indonesia—would you consider mentoring me for free based on your IOI experience?
Use Open Educational Platforms:
Enroll in free courses on platforms like Coursera or edX (e.g., Stanford’s Algorithms course). Engage in their forums to connect with international peers or teaching assistants who might help you with competitive programming.
Highlight Your Constraints:
Be clear about your situation. Mention that you are a student seeking free mentorship or a partnership in exchange for time and effort, especially if resources in Indonesia are limited.
Join Bug Bounty or Open-Source Communities:
Engage in HackerOne forums or contribute to algorithm-heavy projects on GitHub (like libraries such as Boost). Many developers here have strong problem-solving skills and may be interested in helping you.
Seasonal Opportunities:
Take advantage of global academic cycles. Reach out during summer breaks (June-August) when many international students have free time, or around pre-IOI buzz (May-July) when preparation for IOI heats up.
Attend Virtual Workshops/Webinars:
Participate in free events like Google Kick Start or tech meetups to network with experienced coders and potential mentors.
Create Public Profiles:
Showcase your work on GitHub and Codeforces. Share your progress and goals to attract mentors and partners interested in collaborating. Twitter) or LinkedIn with a concise, respectful message asking for mentoring or partnership.
Join Global Study Groups:
Look for international study groups on Telegram or Facebook. Share your OSN goals and find partners to collaborate with.
Refine Your Etiquette:
Be respectful, clear, and professional in your outreach. Show genuine interest and be specific about your needs, goals, and constraints to build meaningful connections.
If you need any help, feel free to reach out!
Set Clear Goals & Track Progress:
Define specific goals for OSN and break them into manageable tasks. Track your progress regularly to stay motivated and on course.
Master DSA & Algorithms:
Focus on essential data structures (arrays, trees, graphs) and algorithms (dynamic programming, greedy, search/sort). Practice on platforms like Codeforces, LeetCode, and AtCoder to improve problem-solving skills.
Prioritize Health & Sleep:
Exercise regularly to stay sharp and energized. Ensure 7-9 hours of sleep for optimal mental performance and retention.
Time & Stress Management:
Use techniques like Pomodoro for focused study sessions. Practice stress-relief techniques like mindfulness to avoid burnout.
Join Community Groups:
Participate in competitive programming groups on Telegram, Slack, or Discord to connect with like-minded peers and share resources.
Engage Actively:
Ask questions, share knowledge, and participate in discussions. Don’t just observe—be an active member of the community. Offer solutions to others’ problems while seeking help for yours.
Ask Questions & Seek Feedback:
Whenever you face challenges, ask for help. Whether it’s mentors, peers, or online forums, seeking feedback on your approaches helps you learn faster and refine your skills.
Practice Consistently:
Solve problems daily, participate in contests, and keep challenging yourself with harder problems. Consistency is key to improving.
Being organized and managing time effectively helps you engage more in competitive programming communities, making it easier to network and find a mentor or practice partner. Demonstrating commitment through clear goals, mastering algorithms, and maintaining focus attracts experienced mentors. Consistency in learning and a balanced lifestyle build long-term, meaningful collaborations. These qualities show that you are serious and reliable, increasing your chances of forming valuable relationships in competitive programming.
Tap into Niche Competitive Programming Events:
Look for regional olympiads like the Balkan OI or Asia-Pacific Informatics Olympiad (APIO), which have open-access communities. Even if you can't officially compete, these communities often welcome practice partners.
Join hackathons with CP elements (like those on Devpost) to network with others who share similar interests in algorithmic challenges.
Utilize Free Resources with Community Aspects:
CS50x Community: Harvard’s CS50 has a large community on Discord and forums where you can meet people from around the world, including competitive programmers. CS50x Forums (edX): Participate in discussions and collaborate with students worldwide.
CS50 Facebook Group: Share resources and find practice partners.
Khan Academy: While less specific to CP, Khan Academy’s forums may lead you to someone interested in mentorship or collaboration.
Use Video Platforms for Visibility:
Engage with popular competitive programmers on YouTube (e.g., Errichto, William Lin) by commenting on their videos and asking for mentorship or practice partners.
On Twitch, watch live coding contests, join the chat, and introduce yourself to fellow coders for potential collaboration.
Join Community Groups:
Participate in competitive programming groups on Telegram, Slack, or Discord to connect with like-minded peers and share resources.
Engage with Stack Overflow & GitHub:
Ask questions and share knowledge on Stack Overflow. Create a GitHub profile to showcase your coding projects and practice solutions.
Tap into University Programming Clubs:
Reach out to active members of university programming clubs or ACM-ICPC groups (e.g., MIT, IIT) via social media or email. Share your OSN goal and seek a practice partner or mentor.
Use Problem-Solving Platforms with Chat Features:
Platforms like HackerEarth and SPOJ allow interaction with other users. Connect with active participants and propose partnerships for practice.
Leverage International Student Networks:
Connect with students worldwide through platforms like Erasmus+, exchange forums, or Pen Pal programs (e.g., Interpals) to find global coding buddies.
Gamify Your Search:
Challenge potential partners with coding challenges or friendly contests. Post on X or Codeforces with a problem like: I’m preparing for OSN Informatika—solve this with me, and let’s team up if we click! Target
Retirees or Alumni:
Search for IOI alumni or retired olympiad coaches on X or LinkedIn. Reach out with a polite message: Hi, I’m preparing for OSN in Indonesia—would you consider mentoring me for free based on your IOI experience?
Use Open Educational Platforms:
Enroll in free courses on platforms like Coursera or edX (e.g., Stanford’s Algorithms course). Engage in their forums to connect with international peers or teaching assistants who might help you with competitive programming.
Highlight Your Constraints:
Be clear about your situation. Mention that you are a student seeking free mentorship or a partnership in exchange for time and effort, especially if resources in Indonesia are limited.
Join Bug Bounty or Open-Source Communities:
Engage in HackerOne forums or contribute to algorithm-heavy projects on GitHub (like libraries such as Boost). Many developers here have strong problem-solving skills and may be interested in helping you.
Seasonal Opportunities:
Take advantage of global academic cycles. Reach out during summer breaks (June-August) when many international students have free time, or around pre-IOI buzz (May-July) when preparation for IOI heats up.
Attend Virtual Workshops/Webinars:
Participate in free events like Google Kick Start or tech meetups to network with experienced coders and potential mentors.
Create Public Profiles:
Showcase your work on GitHub and Codeforces. Share your progress and goals to attract mentors and partners interested in collaborating. Twitter) or LinkedIn with a concise, respectful message asking for mentoring or partnership.
Join Global Study Groups:
Look for international study groups on Telegram or Facebook. Share your OSN goals and find partners to collaborate with.
Refine Your Etiquette:
Be respectful, clear, and professional in your outreach. Show genuine interest and be specific about your needs, goals, and constraints to build meaningful connections.
If you need any help, feel free to reach out!
I appreciate this, thank you for the advice.
Nabeel