Jose Rizal's Travels to Europe

Summary

The script details José Rizal's journey to Europe in 1882 to pursue medical studies and observe the political situation in Spain. Initially struggling with finances, Rizal studied medicine and philosophy in Madrid while enrolling in art classes. He joined reformist circles and the Masonic Order. Despite financial difficulties, Rizal completed his medical studies but couldn't present his thesis. He traveled to Paris, Germany, and other European cities, working under renowned ophthalmologists. Along the way, Rizal built connections with intellectuals, contributing to his growth as a scholar and nationalist.

Takeaways

• ✈️ Rizal traveled to Europe in 1882 with a secret plan, known only to a few, including his brother Paciano and some close associates.
• 🎓 Rizal went to Spain to pursue his medical studies and observe the political situation in Madrid.
• 📜 He traveled under the alias 'Jose Marcado' to avoid attention.
• 💸 Upon reaching Barcelona, Rizal faced financial difficulties and sought help using a letter of recommendation from his former teacher.
• 🖌️ While waiting for classes to start at the University of Madrid, Rizal enrolled in painting classes at the Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando.
• 💼 Rizal had trouble managing his finances due to enrolling in multiple classes, and his brother Paciano struggled to send him money.
• 🗣️ Rizal joined the Circulo Hispano Filipino, a reformist organization of Filipinos and Spaniards, and became active in public speaking.
• 🏅 He completed his medical studies in Madrid but was unable to submit his thesis due to financial constraints, which prevented him from earning the title of Doctor of Medicine.
• 🌍 Rizal continued his travels in Europe, studying ophthalmology in France and Germany, and engaging with various scholars in Berlin and Heidelberg.
• 🤝 Rizal maintained correspondence with Ferdinand Blumentritt and met several prominent European intellectuals, continuing his learning and political awareness.

Q & A

When and why did José Rizal travel to Spain?

José Rizal traveled to Spain in 1882 to pursue his medical studies and observe the political situation in Madrid.

Who were the few people aware of Rizal's trip to Spain?

Only a few people knew of Rizal's trip to Spain, including his brother Paciano, Antonio Rivera, Chengoy, and his former teacher.

What alias did Rizal use for his passport during his travels?

Rizal used the name 'José Marcado' on his passport.

What challenges did Rizal face upon reaching Barcelona?

When Rizal reached Barcelona, he had almost no money left and had to rely on a letter of recommendation to the Jesuits, who lent him money.

Which academic institutions did Rizal enroll in while in Spain?

Rizal enrolled in the University Central de Madrid for medicine and philosophy, and also took painting classes at the Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando.

Why did Rizal have difficulties managing his finances while in Madrid?

Rizal had trouble budgeting because he enrolled in many classes, and his brother Paciano struggled to send him money regularly.

What organizations did Rizal join during his time in Madrid?

Rizal joined the Circulo Hispano-Filipino, a reform organization of Filipinos and Spaniards, and also became a Master Mason in the Masonic order.

Why was Rizal mistaken for being Japanese while traveling in Paris?

Rizal was mistaken for being Japanese because of his appearance, and as a result, he faced higher prices for food, accommodation, and tickets.

What medical studies did Rizal complete, and why did he not receive his doctorate?

Rizal completed his medical studies in Madrid, obtaining a Licentiate in Medicine. However, he couldn't present his thesis due to financial difficulties and did not receive the title of Doctor of Medicine.

Which European doctors and specialists did Rizal work with during his medical training?

Rizal worked under the ophthalmologists Dr. Louis de Wecker in France and Dr. Otto Becker in Germany.