University of Hawai'i at Mānoa
 

The International Student Association (ISA—1970's & 70's), Peer Advocates (PAS—1980-87), Peer Advocate Leadership Society (PALS—1999-2003), and current International Student Association (ISA—2003-present) were all established with a common goal: To provide a support system for international students attending the University of Hawai'i.

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Through these years, international student leaders came together to foster the common goals which were finally written down in its first constitution in 1999. This constitution established an operating framework for the organization that is still followed to this day. Knowing that leadership experience and intercultural communication were critical to any successful international organization, the first few years of PALS focused on building these qualities among the members.

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When the members developed a variety of leadership experiences and the organizational mission was better defined, the name changed from Peer Advocate Leadership Society (PALS) to International Student Association (ISA) to attract a more diversified group of students seeking international contacts and experiences.