CHAPTER 4:
“RIZAL’S LIFE:
HIGHER EDUCATION AND LIFE ABROAD”
INTRODUCTION
This chapter deals with an analysis and evaluation of Jose Rizal's life: his quest for higher
education and struggles and challenges in his life abroad. He was not only busy academically
but he spent much of his time in self-improvement via self-education. In his spare time, he also
learned sculpture, painting, languages and kept up with the latest research in philosophy and
science. It will also examine the contributions of Rizal as the leader of the propaganda
movement that awakened the Filipino people from the abuses of the Spanish [Link]
unwavering campaign for political and social freedoms. In this module, students are initiated to a
reflective study about the aspects of Rizal's life, a genius with many talents and most
importantly his good traits and virtues that are worthy to be emulated.
SCHOLASTIC TRIUMPHS AT ATENEO DE MANILA (1872-1877)
Rizal entered in 1872
Under Jesuit System of Education
Ateneo Municipal a college under the supervision of the Spanish Jesuit
Escuela Pia (Charity School) – formerly name of Ateneo, a school for poor boys in manila which
was established by the city government in 1817
June 10, 1872- Rizal accompanied by Paciano went to manila
Father Magin Ferrando- was the college registrar refused to admit Rizal in Ateneo for two
reasons.
SCHOLASTIC TRIUMPHS AT ATENEO DE MANILA (1872-1877)
Manuel Xerez Burgos- because of his intercession, nephew of Father Burgos, rizal was
reluctantly admitted at the Ateneo
Jose was the first to adopt the surname “Rizal” . He registered under this name at Ateneo
because their family name “Mercado” had come under the suspicion of the Spanish authorities
Rizal was first boarded in a house outside Intramuros, on Caraballo Street. This was owed the
Rizal family the amount of 300 pesos
To improve his Spanish Rizal took private lessons in Santa Isabel college
FIRST YEAR IN ATENEO (1872-1873)
June 1872, his first day of class in the Ateneo
Rizal’s first heard a ,mass at the college Chapel
Fr. Jose Bech, Rizal’s firt professor in the Ateneo
SECOND YEAR IN ATENEO (1873-1874)
Rizal repented having neglected his studies the previous year simply
To regain his lost class leadership, Rizal studied harder
He became “emperor”
At the end of the school year, Rizal received excellent grades in all subject and a gold medal
THIRD YEAR IN ATENEO (1874-1875)
Rizal did not make an excellent showing in his studies as in the previous year
His grades remained excellent in all subjects, but he won only one medal, in Latin
He failed to win the medal in Spanish
FOURTH YEAR IN ATENEO (1875-1876)
On June 16, 1875, Rizal became an interno in the Ateneo
Fr. Francisco de Paula Sanchez, one of his professor this time and a greate educator and
scholar. He inspired the young Rizal to study harder and to write poetry
On his part, Rizal had the highest affection and respect for Father Sanchez. Whom he
considered his best professor in the Ateneo
Rizal was topped of all his classmates in all subjects and five medals at the end of the school
term
LAST YEAR IN ATENEO (1876-1877)
His studies continued to fare well. As an matter-of-act, he excelled in all subjects
Rizal was the most brilliant Atenean of his time, he was truly “ The pride of the Jesuits”
Rizal finished his last year at the Ateneo in a blaze of glory.
He obtained the highest grades in all subjects- Philosophy.
Physics, biology, chemistry, languages, mineralogy, etc.
Rizal graduated with Highest Honor
He graduated on March 23, 1877 (16 YO )
MEDICAL STUDIES AT THE UNIVIRSITY OF SANTO TOMAS (1877-1882)
Father Pablo Ramon- Rector of Ateneo, who had been good to him during his students day in
that college, asking for advice in the choice of a career but unfortunately he was in Mindanao
It was during the following term (1878-1879) that Rizal having received the Ateneo Rector’s
advise to study medicine
During Rizal’s first school term in the University of Sant Tomas (1877-1
878), Rizal’s also studied in Ateneo. He took the Vocational course leading to the title of perito
agrimensor (expert surveyor)
MEDICAL STUDIES AT THE UNIVIRSITY OF SANTO TOMAS (1877-1882
Rizal Excelled in all in all subject in the surveying course in Ateneo, obtaining gold medals in
agriculture and Topography
November 25, 1881 – the title was issued to Rizal for passing the final examination in the
surveying course.