Language study abroad programs differ from language courses in that they offer a unique immersion experience where students experience the target language and culture in an authentic setting. Unfortunately, many of these programs employ traditional language assessment tools that focus on the technical aspect of the Arabic language at the expense of the student’s ability to communicate independently and effectively. Measuring students’ performance in study abroad programs calls for an assessment model that goes beyond the classroom environment and require a comprehensive framework that includes a set of processes, skills and tools that need to work together to achieve the desired outcome. This paper presents proven practices in selecting an effective assessment team, focusing on authentic communication and measuring actual student’s language engagement. These recommendations are based on an evaluation of several approaches used to assess thousands of Arabic language students in Morocco. 1-Evaluate as a team While a specialized tester is necessary, every teacher shall have the opportunity (and even obligation) to perform language assessments and compare his/her results to the rest of the team. It is through this interaction that assessment starts to impact the teaching in a natural and meaningful way. 2-Focus on Authentic communication Rehearsed classroom drills are designed to help the student acquire the language but are not be seen as the goal of the learning. In effective assessments, students are presented with authentic scenarios and are challenged to produce the proper language. In summative assessments, a mix of authentic and rehearsed scenarios is ideal to show the extent the student’s language acquisition. 3-Measure Student’s Engagement Successful Study abroad programs emphasize the student’s responsibility to connect their in- class learning to their out-of-class experiences and measure the degree of engagement of the student in the use of the target language and culture outside the classroom. Through this connection, students realize the desired immersion, find the correct context to apply acquired language skills, and take most advantage of the study abroad program.