importing rhino

[joqez]

i would like to know how, or where to start learning how to import different types of 3d models into opengl- created in Maya,Rhino, or 3d Max

Look at mesh loading code for insights. For 3DS format, have a look at the Mesh3DS class within Display3DS (http://p-squared.com/Display3DS.php) . Most modelling packages export to 3DS format so this may be a good start.