When you return you have to give in a final study report. Then the exact grant will be decided on. The co-ordinators can give you more information about application and the start of the courses. It is advised however to start your language preparations at home, by self study or by language courses paid on own funding. Terms Per country the academic term system differs.
Students have to discuss with their co-ordinator what is the best moment to go abroad.
All countries have a Christmas break. The CIHD in Barcelona offers no courses in the first semester, only in the second. It is very important to apply for these rooms as early as possible. Ask your co-ordinator for information. In Spain and Italy rooms may have to be shared.