Open source as an alternative �study abroad� experience?

“I’m going to spoil the surprise from the outset: the text below
is taken from a random search result for “why study abroad,” with
appropriate nouns for FOSS work substituted. I was surprised at how
few sentences I had to patch up to make the whole thing make
sense.

“Multiple benefits accrue to those who spend significant time in
open source, and a significant proportion of students see the
experience as an important part of their college years. You’re
likely to have fun. But if you’re also thinking about open source
as a way to gain a critical career advantage, read on. You’ll find
that all contribution experiences are not created equal in the
minds of employers.

“Employers are looking for graduates who can communicate well
with others, both in person and in writing. They know the
importance of cross-cultural understanding and an appreciation for
different points of view. They gravitate toward students who
demonstrate maturity, initiative, and creativity. All of these
assets can be demonstrated through participation in open source
communities, but it’s going to be much harder to set yourself apart
if you’ve taken the easy route.”

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