what kind of career?

I would just think about this: would you regret not becoming a psychologist if you gave it up?

I noticed that you said staying in one country for an extended time, so what about getting a job in a foreign country? Somewhere that would give you access to other countries faster and more cheaply than where you are now (America, I'm assuming)?

Rorygemwriter's suggestion above sounds really interesting, too.

Wow, a move to Rome sounds exciting! Italy would be amazing.

I don't really have any other suggestions (I've actually been trying to figure this out for myself for a couple of years, now), so good luck with it! I hope you figure it out. :)

How about a PhD in psychology with a emphasis on different cultures? This might give you a lot of what you want.

I thought about getting my PhD in psychology anyway and working as a therapist abroad, but my adviser said I should attain my degree wherever I plan to work for simplicity and the credentials. I checked out schools in Europe and besides maybe England, the psychology programs just don't compare to that in the U.S. I wouldn't regret not working in psychology if I gave it up anyway, but I love the field enough to where I wouldn't mind working in it at all. This is just about doing what I'm most passionate about.

ninelifewriter, I'm actually planning a move to Rome in the spring next year and I'm hoping to get a teaching position, but I only plan to do that for a year at most. I'm thinking about the long-term right now an am just trying to figure out what I can do that tailors to my interests and strengths.

'my adviser said I should attain my degree wherever I plan to work for simplicity and the credentials.'

That is half a tale if every there were one. How do you know where you intend to work for the rest of your life? US degrees are generally recognised in most of the developed world. Probably not in the UK yet but someday.

In what way do the psychology programmes in the UK not compare with those in the US?

Really? What about bachelors degrees? I guess it's time to do a little research.

UK and US programs are quite similar from what I've researched, though much more well-rounded with a stronger emphasis on research in the U.S. I would still go to school for psychology in the UK. My choices were Italy and Spain though, but I didn't like their programs at all.

I was thinking more of PhDs than first degrees.

If I might declare an interest I am British and have a Masters from Antioch in Humanistic Psychology. I studied for this in England and completed my studies in 1981. I was aware that the degree was not recognised in the UK. I don't practice psychology and I am grateful for the knowledge and experience I gained in my studies.

Might I suggest you look into the recognition of degrees and professional qualifications in the EU as I seem to remember there is a system whereby professional qualification obtained in one country are required to be recognised in others.

I can think of several possibilities for overseas careers that have a basis in psychology. One is school guidance. I know several school psychologists and clinical psychologists employed by larger international schools.

Another is groups like doctors without borders, International Red Cross and other NGOs who use psychologists to help people in crisis situations.

And then there are certain government agencies that use clinical psychologists who live and work overseas.

As a psychiatrist who works for the Department of State and has lived and worked overseas, I can tell you that it isn't all that easy for a clinical psychologist who wants to practice therapy to simply pick up and move. First there are problems of licenses. Even if a degree is recognized, which often is a problem in itself, getting a license, a work permit and a visa to reside in another country and set up a practice/business is not that simple in most places in the world.

You might also want to look at the Foreign Service and USAID both of which are part of the Department of State. If not now, perhaps at some point in the future. Both allow you to live overseas, study a new language and sort of immerse yourself in a new culture. Your degree is not what is important. A board general knowledge and a variety of experiences are.

At 24 you have plenty of time to make decisions. There are lots of people who work for 20 years doing something, decide that they want to do something else and change careers in their 40s or 50 and still have 15-20 years to work at a different job.

but I'm passionate about traveling, learning foreign languages, and cultural immersion.

Traveling is never the same as living and working overseas. Learning foreign languages is something that you can do and keep doing no matter your career. Same with travel. Read posts on this branch by purpletreefrog who chose a teaching job overseas which lets her live overseas and gives her summers off to travel.

Ruth

At 24 there's no need to decide long term yet. If you've been in school most of your life, I think it's a good idea to take a break and work or volunteer in various situations to really understand what you want. Imagining what something might be like is no substitute for actually doing it.