Exactly. We didn't even have contact with any alien civilizations until we achieved Warp Drive, as a matter of fact. The Vulcans, the race that made first contact with the humans after the flight, followed a rule that says they won't interfere with the development of worlds until they have faster-than-light capability. The same rule we follow now.
Ever since then, though, we've learned a lot from other civilizations, from their technology and their cultures. The universe is a fascinating place.