KIBBUTZ HAZOREA, Israel - Throughout high school, Ben rarely did his homework, struggled to complete school assignments and used marijuana on a daily basis.

Frustrated with his situation, Ben, 18, decided in early September to leave his U.S. home and enroll in Free Spirit Experience - an in-residence therapy program in Israel's Carmel Mountains. Three months on, it has ended up changing his approach to life.

"I went there to work on my studies, but I ended up figuring out who I was independent of my parents and learning how to prioritize," said Ben, whose last name is being withheld to pres...