We haven't done too well with other earth species. E.g., the work we've done so far with orcas seems to only scratch the surface.
Orcas, whales, and dolphins may be exceptionally intelligent for animals, but they lack whatever higher functions of mind that cause a species to master their physical environment. Same for chimps and elephants.
If a bipedal hominid species arose on another planet, and became tool makers like us, there's a strong likelihood that they developed language, mathematics, and high technology, as well. If any of them have a thousand year head start on us, and if they haven't blown themselves up, then there's someone out there we can talk to.