Is GSoC Just as Good as an Internship? Wondering How Recruiters See It?

Hey everyone,

I had a few questions about Google Summer of Code (GSoC) and would love to hear from people who’ve participated or know how it’s perceived:

1. Is GSoC considered equivalent to an internship? If yes, how would you categorize it? The stipend is actually quite solid—comparable to what some FAANG companies offer in India—so I’m wondering if it's okay to present it as an internship experience.
2. How good does GSoC look on a resume for recruiters both in India and abroad? Is it something that adds real weight during job applications?
3. How valuable is GSoC overall, in your experience or opinion? Any insights on how it helps with skills, networking, future opportunities, etc., would be awesome.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts!