I would not say essential. I know a lot of friends who have never ever talked to some native speaker and speak it very well. But I think it's good for getting fluency, how to pronunciate words, for improving word usage and most important: slangs and usual expressions.

I would go to the top of the page and click on "Find a Language Partner" or click on "Groups" and join one of the many language groups we have. Good luck and hope this helps you.