Job Discussion Forums

[Spinoza]

[younggeorge]

It might not be too late but you need to do it quickly. Email the agency saying your personal circumstances have changed and you're no longer able to take up the offer. Then phone them and, if they've got the email, maybe they'll answer it this time. If they ask for details, just say something about a family emergency. If you're able to contact the school directly, tell them as well - very apologetically.

Get replacement documents from your uni as fast as you can and send them off.

Then hope there's no contact between your new job and the one you've canceled!

[Spinoza]

[tedkarma]

Depending on the country . . . if you do not yet have a visa - sponsored by your potential employer - you are generally able to change your employer. It tends to get sticky when your employer is tied to the visa stamped in your passport. I think you've got no problem. But keep your ears open for other opinions as well.

[Gregor]

OK, anyone, correct me if I'm wrong,
But I would say that it's a very bad idea to send your original documents to any employer or agency. A faxed or scanned copy should be PLENTY. If the agency or whoever wants to check to see if they're legitimate, they can contact the school named on the documents. If the school no longer exists, they can't check on it, anyway.
I would say that you should never do that, and you should steer clear of anyone who asks you to. They now have possession of items that are VERY dear to you. They can do with them what they wish. Your concern shouldn't be "can I get out of this contract," but rather, "just what are these people going to do with my documents??" You have sent them something arguably more valuable than a teacher, especially if they are unscrupulous (and they are, if they asked for your original docs).
This is just a bad idea all the way around.

Or am I way off the mark here?

[Girl Scout]

I have to agree with Gregor. Faxed or scanned copies of your documents is all that is needed to get started. In the three countries I have applied for work the actual resident visas required a physical presence in county. I don't know what country the OP has applied to work in.

The OP should not worry too much about not taking the first position. Tell them you have decided not to take the job and that you are not coming. Many teachers all over the world simply don't show. You wouuld actually be doing the recruiter a favor by telling them you are not coming.

Also, let this experience be a warning about using recruiters.

[Spinoza]

[moonraven]

Glad to hear it.

Don't ever send original documents again.

And there's no way to enforce the "signed" contract anyway--it's not even an original.