1. Financial Difficulties:
Rizal often struggled with financial constraints while living in Europe. He relied on financial support from his family in the Philippines and meager income from his writings and journalistic work. Limited financial resources sometimes compelled him to live frugally and made it difficult to pursue his studies and other endeavors.
2. Health Issues:
Rizal experienced health challenges during his stay in Europe. He suffered from eye problems and had to undergo eye surgeries to correct his vision. Additionally, he endured health issues related to poor living conditions, stress, and irregular mealtimes.
3. Hostility and Discrimination:
As a Filipino living in Europe during the late 19th century, Rizal encountered hostility and discrimination. He was often subjected to racial prejudice and derogatory remarks due to his Asian ethnicity. In some instances, he faced discrimination and isolation from certain social and academic circles.
4. Language Barriers:
Initially, Rizal had limited proficiency in European languages, particularly German and French. This language barrier posed difficulties in communicating with local people, attending classes, and engaging in intellectual discussions. He had to exert significant effort to learn and master these languages to effectively engage with European society.
5. Challenges in Publishing and Disseminating his Work:
Rizal faced challenges in publishing his works, particularly his political writings that critiqued Spanish colonial rule in the Philippines. The Spanish government and its agents actively monitored and suppressed his publications, making it difficult for him to disseminate his ideas and expose the injustices of Spanish colonialism.
6. Political Persecution:
Rizal's political activism and criticisms of Spanish colonial rule caught the attention of the Spanish authorities and colonial government in the Philippines. They closely monitored his activities in Europe, and eventually his writings led to his arrest and eventual execution when he returned to the Philippines.
7. Longing for Home:
Despite his fascination with Europe and his extensive travels, Rizal still longed for his homeland and his family. He was deeply attached to the Philippines and often expressed a desire to return and work for the betterment of his country. This yearning for home sometimes caused emotional distress and a sense of homesickness.
Despite the challenges he faced, Rizal persevered and continued to pursue his education, write extensively, and advocate for reforms in the Philippines. He remained committed to his ideals of freedom, justice, and national progress, even in the face of adversity.