Global Education Office

By: Liam Velasquez
VCU Global Education Office Intern
Contact: (804) 828-6463

Richmond, VA (May 13, 2025) — Many international students in VCU's English Language Program are multi-talented and accomplished individuals who continue to display the skills and abilities cultivated in their home countries while studying at VCU.

Such is the case with Nader Elshikh, a recent graduate of the ELP who is the author of the book, "The Heresy Collection," a collection of poetry published in 2024, now available in both English and Arabic. The book presents poems that predict the future. It is up to the reader to decide whether or not the predictions are accurate, according to Elshikh.

“I'm not just saying it's a prophecy,” Elshikh said. “I'm giving you heresy or something you can argue about. So when you finish reading, you can decide if it's a prophecy or heresy. That's not my decision, it's yours.”

In addition, Elshikh has published, The Scripture of Journeys (2024), a collection of poems written between 2000 and 2024, "chronicling a deeply personal journey across time and geography," according to Elshikh. "The poems explore themes of identity, migration, loss, memory, and spiritual introspection, drawn from my lived experiences and those of close friends. It serves as a lyrical memoir—a record of emotional and cultural transitions, documenting the landscapes of both inner and outer worlds," he said.

Elshikh came to Richmond from Egypt in 2019 to study at VCU. His mother passed away shortly afterward, and he was forced to make a decision about his life.

“I had two choices,” Elshikh said. “I can just give up and go with the sadness or I can resist and keep my promise to my mom. So the next week, I went [to] the ELP office.”

Elshikh studied in the ELP to increase his English skills before matriculating into VCU's academic program, which he credits as opening doors for him, partially because of how supportive the program and staff were.

“When I started, I found this amazing atmosphere and this kind of family support from all the ELP instructors,” he said. 

Elshikh’s early poetry is inspired by his experiences at VCU. One of the pieces from the book, is written in appreciation of Elshikh’s current and former ELP instructors, found in this article.

Elshikh is also a researcher and educator. Since 2004, he has taught more than 30,000 students and professionals across Egypt, Kuwait, UAE and the Gulf region. The courses Elshikh has taught include media literacy and strategic communication, administrative and organizational planning and journalism and editorial arts. His current research focuses on the relationship between media and power in the Middle East. He plans to continue this research in the future.

Elshikh will begin pursuing a doctorate in public policy and administration from the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs in the fall. He currently has earned master’s degrees in mass communication from VCU’s Robertson School of Communication and in business administration from the University of the People. He re-enrolled in the ELP program this year to “refresh things and be ready for the next level.” 

In the future, Elshikh plans to continue writing. He is currently working on a new work with several short stories, and he is writing a short story regarding current political events in Egypt. He also plans to continue teaching. 

“I love teaching and I love academic life,” Elshikh siad. ”So I think the most important thing that adds value, I'll bring to the community. And my wife and I believe in that.”

Elshikh lives in Richmond with his wife and two children. His published work is available for purchase at Kotobana.net.